Russia’s Massive Kyiv Strike Kills 12, Wounds Dozens \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Russia launched its deadliest attack on Kyiv in months, killing 12 and injuring nearly 90 in a nighttime barrage of missiles and drones. The assault drew rare condemnation from U.S. President Donald Trump and forced Ukraine’s Zelenskyy to cut short a diplomatic trip. As peace negotiations hang in the balance, the Kremlin’s aggression intensifies.
Quick Looks
- Casualties: 12 killed, nearly 90 wounded in Kyiv alone
- Attack Duration: 11 hours of overnight bombardment
- Weapons Used: 66 missiles, 145 drones, including decoys
- Districts Hit: Five Kyiv neighborhoods suffered heavy damage
- Zelenskyy Response: Cuts Africa trip short, vows to return
- Trump Statement: “Vladimir, STOP!” calls for peace deal
- Injured Civilians: Children, students, elderly among the wounded
- Residential Damage: Fires and collapses in apartment blocks
- Peace Talks Impacted: Ceasefire proposal threatened by strikes
- EU and France: Condemn Russia, label strike a peace mockery
Deep Look
In its most devastating assault on the Ukrainian capital since last July, Russia launched a barrage of missiles and drones early Thursday, killing at least 12 people and injuring nearly 90 in Kyiv alone. The sustained 11-hour onslaught ripped through multiple residential neighborhoods and disrupted ongoing peace negotiations, escalating global tensions and prompting a rare direct rebuke of the Kremlin from U.S. President Donald Trump.
The attack began around 1 a.m. local time, triggering air-raid sirens, explosions, and widespread panic. Entire families, including children and pets, huddled in public shelters throughout the night, while firefighters and medics worked amid the wreckage of burning homes.
“Vladimir, STOP!” – Trump’s Rare Rebuke
Though historically hesitant to criticize Russia, Trump took to Truth Social during the attack, writing:
“Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!”
The comments come as weeks of high-level peace talks continue between U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials — discussions that now hang in the balance after the Russian military’s latest offensive.
While some U.S. officials have warned that the Trump administration may abandon diplomatic efforts if no ceasefire is reached soon, Trump’s post suggests he remains engaged in brokering a deal, albeit impatiently.
66 Missiles, 145 Drones: Relentless Strikes Across Ukraine
According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia deployed:
- 66 ballistic and cruise missiles
- 4 air-to-surface missiles launched from aircraft
- 145 Shahed and decoy drones
These were aimed not only at Kyiv but also at Sumy, Odesa, and Zaporizhzhia. The intensity of the attacks marks a significant escalation just as international negotiators were hopeful for a breakthrough.
Zelenskyy Vows Return Amid Crisis
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was on an official trip to South Africa to seek African support for peace efforts, announced he would cut his trip short and return home immediately.
“The future of negotiations depends on Russia’s intention,” Zelenskyy said, calling the attack one of Russia’s “most outrageous.”
He emphasized that Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire framework 44 days ago, but that Moscow continued its bombardments — raising questions about the Kremlin’s sincerity.
Kyiv Neighborhoods in Ruins
Thursday’s attack devastated multiple Kyiv districts, including Sviatoshynskyi, where a two-story building was completely flattened and nearby residential blocks heavily damaged. Fires erupted across apartment buildings, and emergency responders worked through the night to pull survivors from the rubble.
Among the victims:
- A 21-year-old man and his 19-year-old sister
- At least 42 others hospitalized, including a college student and elderly civilians
Oksana Bilozir, a student, suffered a head injury and recounted how she rushed toward a shelter as walls crumbled around her:
“I honestly don’t even know how this will all end. It’s very scary,” she said.
Rescues and Scenes of Devastation
Emergency services described scenes of horror as residents were pulled from rubble, injured and dazed. A woman rescued from beneath debris emerged covered in white dust and blood, crying in pain.
In makeshift relief centers, children helped parents tape plastic to broken windows, while survivors stood in blood-stained clothing, waiting for government assistance.
“We were sleeping when the glass exploded and kitchen appliances flew through the air,” said Anastasiia Zhuravlova, a mother of two.
Frontline Still Hot, Russia Holds Momentum
The 1,000-kilometer front line remains fiercely contested, with Ukrainian forces struggling to regain initiative. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Russia’s recent actions show Putin’s total disregard for peace efforts:
“Putin demonstrates through actions, not words, that he wants to continue the war.”
According to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, over 13,000 civilians have died since Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion, including 618 children.
Global Condemnation Builds
European leaders responded swiftly to Thursday’s assault:
- EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the attack a “mockery of peace”
- French President Emmanuel Macron demanded Putin stop “lying” about peace intentions
- Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre met with Trump hours after the attack in Washington
“There is only one answer we are waiting for,” Macron said. “Does President Putin agree to an unconditional ceasefire?”
Kremlin Perspective: Putin’s “Concession”
In a press appearance Thursday, Trump reiterated that Crimea was taken during the Obama administration and suggested Putin was making a “pretty big concession” by not advancing deeper into Ukraine.
Trump’s remarks followed earlier criticism directed at Zelenskyy, whom he accused of refusing to compromise by rejecting the surrender of Crimea — a position the Ukrainian leader has firmly stated as non-negotiable.
Russia’s Massive Kyiv Russia’s Massive Kyiv
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