Six districts hit, healthcare centre destroyed, death toll rises amid latest escalation
KYIV: A deadly barrage of Russian drone strikes pummeled Ukraine’s capital overnight, killing at least two civilians, injuring 13 others, and leaving swathes of Kyiv in flames in one of the most ferocious attacks in recent weeks.
The hours-long assault struck six districts of the city, including Shevchenkivskyi and Podilskyi, damaging homes, vehicles, warehouses, and even a primary healthcare centre, according to Ukrainian officials.
“These people were killed by the Russians. This is a terrible loss,” said Kyiv’s military administration chief Tymur Tkachenko, confirming the fatalities in a Telegram statement. “Residential buildings, warehouses, and offices are burning.”
Dramatic footage posted online—still unverified—captured the moment Ukraine’s air defences lit up the night sky, intercepting the wave of drones. Meanwhile, in Podilskyi, a healthcare centre was nearly obliterated, Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko confirmed.
Authorities urged residents to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and remain in shelters until air raid sirens were lifted. Fires raged across neighbourhoods long after the drones were shot down.
The attack follows closely behind what Ukraine last week described as the largest aerial offensive since the war began — a staggering 728 drones and 13 missiles launched in coordinated waves across multiple cities.
No official statement has been issued by Russia’s Defence Ministry regarding Thursday’s assault.
Civilian Casualties Rising Beyond Kyiv
Elsewhere in the country, three civilians were killed in a separate Russian airstrike on Kostiantynivka, a town near the eastern front lines, Ukraine’s emergency services (DSNS) reported late Wednesday.
Ukraine’s Air Force also warned of possible further drone activity in multiple regions overnight, raising fears of more civilian casualties and destruction.
As Kyiv smouldered, tensions spilled into international politics. Former US President Donald Trump, who recently returned to office, delivered a surprisingly blunt rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“We get a lot of bullshit thrown at us by Putin,” Trump told reporters on Tuesday. “He’s very nice to us all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless.”
The Kremlin, in response, downplayed Trump’s remarks as “harsh rhetoric” but said Moscow remained “calm” amid the criticism.
Despite repeated overtures, no tangible progress has been made toward a ceasefire. Trump, who once vowed to end the war “within 24 hours”, has yet to impose new sanctions on Moscow since assuming office in January.
