Deadliest Air Raid Since War Began
Russia carried out what Ukrainian officials describe as the largest airstrike since the start of the war, unleashing a barrage of drones and missiles overnight. The attack left at least four people dead and dozens injured, according to Ukrainian authorities.
In the capital Kyiv, government offices and several high-rise buildings were hit. Fires broke out in multiple locations as rescue teams rushed to contain the damage. Witnesses reported hearing powerful explosions that shook the city during the night.
Scale of the Attack
The Ukrainian Air Force said Russia launched 810 drones and 13 missiles in a single night — the highest number recorded since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. A similar assault was previously reported when Russia launched a massive airstrike on Ukraine, firing hundreds of drones and missiles
Ukrainian officials stressed that this strike was different from previous ones, as it directly targeted government offices, including cabinet buildings, marking what they described as “a dangerous new phase” in Moscow’s military strategy.
Despite Ukraine’s air defenses intercepting many projectiles, a significant number still penetrated, causing heavy destruction in residential and administrative districts.
Civilian Casualties and Damage
Among the injured was a pregnant woman who was forced to give birth prematurely after being wounded. Local media also reported the deaths of seven horses at an equestrian club hit by the strikes, underscoring the widespread collateral damage.
Several tall buildings were either completely or partially destroyed, leaving residents trapped under rubble. Emergency services said rescue and evacuation efforts were continuing, with teams working around the clock to search for survivors.
Zelensky Calls for Stronger International Support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, accusing Russia of deliberately trying to prolong the war and undermine any prospects for peace.
“This is not just an attack on Ukraine,” he said in a televised address. “It is an attack on every nation that values freedom and stability. The world must respond firmly.”
Zelensky renewed calls for stronger air defense systems and increased international aid, warning that Russia’s escalation could destabilize wider Europe if left unchecked.
Global Condemnation
The assault drew swift reactions from global leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer both denounced the strikes, labeling them as clear violations of international law.
The European Union accused the Kremlin of sabotaging diplomacy, saying Moscow’s latest actions undermine ongoing international efforts to mediate.
In Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States was prepared to impose additional sanctions on Russia, aiming to pressure Moscow back to the negotiating table. “The global community cannot allow Russia’s aggression to continue unchecked,” he said.
War’s Ongoing Toll
The attack comes as the war nears its third year, with no signs of resolution. Russia currently controls around 20 percent of Ukrainian territory, including parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions.
Since February 2022, tens of thousands of civilians and soldiers have been killed, while millions have fled their homes, creating one of the largest refugee crises in Europe since World War II.
The conflict has also had far-reaching consequences for the global economy. Energy prices surged in 2022, while disruptions in Ukrainian grain exports sparked food security concerns in parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Looking Ahead
Analysts warn that Russia’s largest aerial assault to date signals a shift in tactics, with direct attacks on central government institutions. Many fear that Kyiv could face more sustained strikes in the coming weeks as Moscow seeks leverage before winter sets in.
For ordinary Ukrainians, however, the latest assault is another reminder of the daily uncertainty brought by war. As rescue operations continue in Kyiv, residents brace themselves for further attacks, while leaders across Europe prepare for what could be a new stage of escalation.
