STORY
Kyiv experienced the most intense aerial bombardment since the beginning of the war overnight, with hundreds of drones and missiles targeting the Ukrainian capital and surrounding areas. Ukrainian officials reported that the assault lasted for over seven hours, involving more than 500 Iranian-designed Shahed drones and over a dozen ballistic and cruise missiles.
The Ukrainian air force said it successfully intercepted a significant portion of the incoming projectiles, but many still reached their targets. The attacks caused widespread damage across multiple districts in Kyiv, hitting residential areas, railway lines, a school, and a medical facility. Fires broke out in several locations, and emergency services were deployed throughout the night to contain the damage and assist victims.
Authorities confirmed that at least 23 people were injured, with 14 requiring hospital treatment. Air quality in parts of the city deteriorated due to fires and smoke, prompting health warnings and calls for residents to stay indoors and keep windows closed. The Ukrainian government described the attack as a large-scale escalation, linking it to a temporary shortage of Western-supplied air defence interceptors. Officials renewed calls for additional international military support and emphasised the continued need for advanced anti-air systems to protect urban centres.
In response to the barrage, Ukrainian forces reportedly launched retaliatory drone strikes on several sites inside Russia. The latest developments signal a further intensification of hostilities, with both sides showing no sign of de-escalation.