In a shocking escalation of violence, Kyiv was hit by a massive attack from Russia overnight, deploying multiple drones and missiles that tragically claimed the lives of at least eight individuals, including a child. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed these casualties on Thursday, emphasizing the severity of the situation. “People may still be trapped under the rubble. Dozens are wounded,” he stated in a post on X. He further remarked that these attacks are a “clear response” to ongoing global calls for a ceasefire and genuine diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
In the aftermath of the attack, Ukrainian authorities mobilized an extensive emergency response, involving approximately 500 rescuers and 1,000 police officers dispatched to various affected locations. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported that a range of specialized personnel, including mountaineers, dog handlers, and psychologists, are on the ground, along with advanced engineering and fire rescue equipment. Notably, robotic technology is being utilized to expedite the clearing of debris, enabling rescuers to reach those potentially trapped beneath the rubble more swiftly.
During the attack, residents of Kyiv endured a grueling air raid alert that lasted over nine hours. This alarming situation saw ballistic and cruise missiles descending upon the capital, prompting many locals to seek refuge in subway stations, as they have done in previous attacks. Residents were advised to “stay in shelters” until the all-clear signal was issued shortly before 7 AM local time.
Among the victims of this devastating assault was a 14-year-old girl, as reported by Kyiv officials. The latest updates indicate that at least 17 people have been hospitalized, including five children aged between seven and 17 years old. This tragic loss of life underscores the ongoing peril faced by civilians amid the relentless conflict.
This major attack on Kyiv comes just over two weeks after a face-to-face meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, aimed at facilitating an end to the war. However, momentum around peace negotiations has significantly stalled, with no indications that a proposed bilateral meeting between Zelensky and Putin will occur. This attack is part of a broader pattern of assaults across Ukraine, as Russian troops ramp up their offensive amidst stalled diplomatic efforts to reach a resolution.
Furthermore, Ukrainian open-source researchers confirmed on Tuesday that Russian forces have successfully captured two villages in the southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region of Ukraine. According to the battlefield monitoring group DeepState, Russian troops now occupy the villages of Zaporizke and Novoheorhiivka. The situation remains dire as Ukraine's military, outmanned and outgunned, continues to struggle against the relentless advances of Russian forces.
In light of the latest attacks, President Zelensky expressed his frustration on X, stating, “Russia chooses ballistics instead of the negotiating table. It chooses to continue killing instead of ending the war. And this means that Russia still does not fear the consequences.” This statement encapsulates the ongoing struggle for peace and the urgent need for diplomatic resolutions in the face of continued violence.
