In one of the most intense assaults on Ukraine’s capital since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Russian forces unleashed a massive overnight barrage of missiles and drones on Kyiv, killing at least 22–27 people and injuring dozens more.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has vowed a firm retaliation, declaring that Ukraine’s forces will “definitely” respond.
The attack, which Ukrainian officials described as the largest ever on the capital, lasted approximately 11 hours and involved waves of drones and missiles. Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched 74 missiles (including ballistic and cruise types) and 496 long-range drones, with the majority targeting Kyiv. Air defenses intercepted or neutralized many, but strikes still hit residential areas, an ambulance station, a scientific institute, a hotel, businesses, and energy infrastructure.
Rescue workers and residents survey the rubble of a heavily damaged apartment building in Kyiv following the Russian strike. Multiple high-rise residential blocks were hit, with one nine-storey building partially collapsing after a direct missile impact that destroyed dozens of apartments.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko called it the “most massive attack” on the city to date. Search-and-rescue operations continued into Thursday, with fears that the death toll could rise further as teams cleared rubble. At least two children were among the injured, and tens of thousands of residents sought shelter in subway stations and basements as air raid sirens blared for hours.
President Zelenskyy visited the site of a devastated apartment block on Thursday, where he inspected the damage and spoke directly to reporters. “We will take revenge!” he stated. When asked if Ukraine would retaliate, he replied: “Definitely.” He accused Russia of deliberately targeting civilians and ordinary residential buildings, noting over 130 sites damaged across the city.
The strikes came just hours after Zelenskyy cut short a visit to Ireland and warned of an impending “massive Russian strike,” urging citizens to heed air raid alerts.
He has repeatedly appealed to Western allies, particularly the United States and European partners, for more air defense systems including additional Patriot batteries, to counter ballistic missile threats.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed the operation targeted military and energy facilities in and around Kyiv, as well as airports in other regions, describing it as retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russian infrastructure, including oil refineries.
The Kremlin said President Vladimir Putin was briefed on the strikes and that pressure on Ukraine would continue.
Klitschko declared Friday a day of mourning in Kyiv. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced plans for further sanctions on entities supporting Russia’s military-industrial complex.
