Russia carried out one of its largest attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks, firing over 350 drones and missiles on Kyiv overnight. Ukrainian officials reported that the assault hit several areas of the capital, including residential neighborhoods, a hospital, and public shelters.
According to the Ukrainian military, the assault involved 352 drones and decoy aerial vehicles. In addition, Russia launched 11 ballistic missiles and 5 cruise missiles. The attacks struck at least six districts across Kyiv, causing widespread damage and civilian deaths.
Local emergency services reported that one of the worst-hit areas was the Shevchenkivskyi district. There, a multi-story residential building suffered a direct hit. The entrance collapsed, killing several people. The death toll also includes victims from drone attacks in northern Chernihiv and Bila Tserkva, a city southwest of Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that preliminary evidence shows Russia used missiles supplied by North Korea in this recent strike. He accused Russia of forming a deadly alliance with Iran and North Korea. According to Zelensky, this coalition has no regard for human life and seeks only destruction.
The Russian government claimed that it had targeted Ukrainian military infrastructure. However, visuals from the attack zone tell a different story. Hospitals, children’s playgrounds, apartment complexes, and even bomb shelters suffered heavy damage. Many of the victims were civilians, including children and the elderly.
In Chernihiv, reports confirmed injuries to children following a drone strike. Local health officials said many were taken to emergency rooms with serious injuries. In Bila Tserkva, drone fragments hit a residential zone, killing at least one and injuring several others.
This marks the second major assault on Kyiv within just a week. Last week’s attack killed 28 people and left more than 150 injured. Observers say the pattern of back-to-back large-scale attacks shows Russia’s intent to keep Kyiv under pressure. The current escalation appears to be part of a broader strategy by the Kremlin to weaken Ukrainian defenses and morale.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials are expressing frustration over stalled peace efforts. Kyiv claims Russia is deliberately delaying negotiations that were being pushed forward with help from the United States. According to Ukrainian sources, Moscow is using the attacks to strengthen its position before any potential talks begin. The goal, they say, is to gain more land by force before sitting at the negotiating table.
Zelensky warned that continued violence will only harden Ukraine’s resolve. He added that the world must not allow countries like Russia, Iran, and North Korea to dictate global peace through terror. He called on allies to increase support, especially in air defense systems, to protect Ukrainian cities from future strikes.
Ukrainian rescue teams are still working through the rubble. In several districts, search operations are ongoing. Authorities have set up temporary shelters for displaced residents. Dozens of injured civilians remain in critical condition.
The latest wave of attacks signals a growing danger for civilian areas far from the front lines. Kyiv, once considered relatively safe, is now again facing high levels of threat. Defense experts warn that if the missile supply from countries like North Korea continues, Russia could sustain these attacks for much longer.
Ukraine’s appeal to global leaders is urgent. Kyiv insists that stronger sanctions and more military aid are needed to stop Russia’s new offensive. The country also calls for a full investigation into the use of foreign missiles in the assault, which may violate international arms treaties.
While Kyiv’s emergency services deal with the aftermath, questions remain about how far Russia is willing to go. As peace talks falter and attacks increase, the war shows little sign of slowing down.
