Russia launches one of war’s largest attacks on Kyiv, killed 21

Russia launched one of its largest air assaults on Ukraine since the war began, firing hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles at Kyiv overnight, killing at least 21 people and injuring more than 90, Ukrainian authorities said.

The massive attack triggered explosions across the capital, forcing thousands of residents to seek shelter in underground metro stations and bomb shelters.

Officials said around 130 buildings, including residential complexes and public facilities, were damaged.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who cut short a foreign visit to return to Kyiv, blamed delays in Western military assistance, particularly air defence systems, for the scale of the destruction.

Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 496 drones and 74 missiles during the overnight assault, one of the largest attacks of the nearly five-year war.

Moscow said the strikes targeted military and energy infrastructure in retaliation for recent Ukrainian attacks inside Russia.
Kyiv authorities declared Friday a day of mourning as rescue teams continued searching for survivors under the rubble.

The latest assault has renewed international calls for increased military support for Ukraine and tougher sanctions on Russia.