In the early hours of Tuesday, Russia unleashed a devastating assault on Kyiv, launching an extensive barrage of drones and missiles that claimed the lives of at least 14 individuals and left dozens more injured. President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized this attack as “one of the most horrific” since the onset of the war over three years ago, emphasizing the urgency for support from the international community.
Zelensky reported that Ukrainian defenses were overwhelmed by the onslaught, which consisted of 440 drones and 32 missiles targeting various locations across the country. “Our families had a very difficult night. One of the biggest attacks from the very beginning of the war,” he noted during a G7 summit in Canada, urging allies not to “turn a blind eye.”
As dawn broke over the capital, smoke was visible against the skyline, illustrating the destruction caused by the strikes. Reports from AFP journalists indicated that a multi-storey housing block had been severely damaged, prompting rescue services to work diligently in search of survivors amidst the rubble. Eyewitness accounts from residents like 20-year-old student Alina Shtompel conveyed the intense fear and trauma experienced during the onslaught. “It is indescribably painful that our people are going through this right now,” she reflected.
Despite ongoing attempts by the United States to mediate a ceasefire, Moscow has intensified its attacks, revealing a troubling stagnation in negotiations. Ukraine has firmly rejected Russia’s demands, labeling them as “ultimatums,” while Russia has dismissed Kyiv’s calls for an “unconditional” truce. Zelensky had anticipated a discussion with former US President Donald Trump during the G7 meeting, but that opportunity was curtailed by Trump’s early departure amid rising tensions related to the conflict in the Middle East.
According to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, the latest attack resulted in widespread damage, affecting around 27 locations and leaving many residents without power. The relentless assault led to reports confirming the fatalities, including a 62-year-old American citizen in the Solomyansky district.
The Russian defense ministry, in a statement following the attacks, claimed that precision strikes targeted “military-industrial facilities” in the region. However, the random nature of the attacks raised alarm about civilian safety, with Interior Minister Igor Klymenko stating that residential buildings, educational institutions, and critical infrastructure were among the struck locations.
In international responses, Germany pledged to intensify pressure on Russia, while French President Emmanuel Macron condemned Putin’s actions as exploitative of the current global climate. “It shows the complete cynicism of President Putin, who is using the international context to step again attacks against civilians,” Macron told reporters.
As Russian aerial assaults continue nearly daily, Ukraine has retaliated with strikes on Russian territories. Just hours after the Kyiv attack, Ukrainian shelling reportedly resulted in four deaths in the border regions of Belgorod and Kursk.
The human toll of the conflict remains staggering, with independent monitors estimating tens of thousands of casualties on both sides since the war escalated in February 2022. The sustained attacks underline Russia’s ongoing commitment to its military objectives, even as global diplomatic efforts attempt to bring about a resolution.
