At least six people have been killed and dozens injured after Russia launched a large-scale overnight missile and drone attack on Ukraine, with the capital Kyiv among the hardest hit.
The assault began around 1:30 a.m. local time and lasted for several hours. According to Ukraine’s air force, Russia fired 41 missiles and 125 attack drones, most of them aimed at Kyiv and its surrounding areas, reported by Euro News. The strikes came just one day after Ukraine reportedly carried out drone attacks inside Russian territory, highlighting the intensifying cycle of cross-border warfare.
Emergency services in Kyiv said fires broke out in at least five districts, damaging residential buildings, offices, and industrial facilities. Rescue teams worked through the night, pulling people from burning structures in neighborhoods such as Sviatoshynskyi and Shevchenkivskyi. One person was later found dead in the rubble. Additional fires were reported in Solomyanskyi, Desnianskyi, and Dnipro districts, underscoring the widespread impact across the city.
Russia’s defense ministry said the strikes were aimed at targets linked to Ukraine’s military. However, Ukrainian officials stressed that civilian areas were heavily affected. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the majority of the missiles and drones were directed at Kyiv, calling attention to the growing pressure on the country’s air defenses.
In a statement posted on social media, Zelenskyy said that over the past week alone, Russia has launched around 1,450 drones, more than 1,640 guided aerial bombs, and nearly 100 missiles against Ukraine. The sustained attacks have raised concerns about the country’s ability to defend its skies.
Ukraine relies heavily on US-made Patriot systems to intercept ballistic missiles, but officials have repeatedly warned that supplies of interceptor missiles are running low. Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump said Washington would allow Ukraine to produce Patriot interceptors under license, though it remains unclear when or where production might begin.
