Kyiv endured another night of deadly missile and drone strikes, marking the second consecutive evening of intense Russian bombardment, as Ukraine’s capital faced fire, destruction, and mounting casualties amid an apparent escalation in Moscow’s aerial assault.
According to Ukrainian authorities, at least six people were killed and dozens more injured in the latest round of attacks, which targeted both residential and infrastructure sites across multiple districts. The strikes, which began late Saturday and continued into early Sunday, sparked massive fires, damaged apartment buildings, and knocked out power in some neighborhoods.
Emergency services worked through the night to rescue survivors from the rubble, while firefighters battled blazes ignited by missile debris. In one particularly hard-hit area, the Shevchenkivskyi district, officials said a high-rise residential building sustained a direct hit, trapping families inside.
“We are witnessing one of the most intense and coordinated attacks on Kyiv in months,” said Mayor Vitali Klitschko. “Russia is trying to break our spirit, but Kyiv stands strong.”
Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched a combined barrage of cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and Iranian-made Shahed drones, most of which were intercepted by air defense systems. However, officials admitted that several projectiles penetrated defenses due to the sheer volume and speed of the assault.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks as war crimes and again appealed to international partners for additional air defense systems. “These deliberate attacks on civilian areas show that Russia does not want peace—it wants destruction. We need more tools to defend our people,” Zelenskyy said in a statement.
Moscow has not officially commented on the strikes, but Russian state media claimed the attacks were aimed at Ukrainian military command posts and logistics hubs. These claims could not be independently verified.
The strikes come amid mounting speculation that Russia is attempting to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defenses ahead of a new phase in its military campaign. Western officials have warned that Moscow is likely seeking to pressure Ukraine before the summer months, when ground offensives typically intensify.
In response, NATO countries have reiterated their support for Ukraine, with several allies pledging new shipments of missile interceptors and radar systems. The United States is expected to announce a fresh defense package early next week, while Germany and the UK have pledged additional IRIS-T and Storm Shadow units.
The renewed bombardment has also heightened tensions within Kyiv, where residents are reeling from the physical and psychological toll. Underground shelters were once again filled with families clutching blankets and supplies, some too afraid to return to their homes even after the all-clear was given.
“This is the second night we haven’t slept,” said Iryna, a Kyiv resident whose building was damaged. “We don’t know if we’ll survive the next one.”
International humanitarian groups have warned of worsening conditions as attacks on urban centers escalate. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) condemned the strikes, emphasizing the need for adherence to international law protecting civilians during conflict.
As Ukraine braces for further attacks, government officials are urging citizens to remain vigilant and heed warnings from the State Emergency Service. Meanwhile, cleanup crews continue to clear debris and restore essential services, a grim routine that has become all too familiar in Kyiv.
Despite the destruction, the city remains defiant. “We will rebuild again, and we will not be broken,” Mayor Klitschko said. “Kyiv is the heart of Ukraine—and it still beats.”
Source: The Guardian
