Introduction
In one of the most intense attacks on Ukraine’s capital since the war began,Kyiv air attack at least nine people have been killed and dozens injured following a massive Russian missile and drone assault on Kyiv in the early hours of Monday, according to Ukrainian authorities. The latest attack comes as Russia continues to escalate its air campaign against Ukrainian cities.
Massive Barrage Hits Kyiv
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported that residential areas, hospitals, universities, and sports facilities were struck during the assault. Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that six of the victims died when a high-rise building was hit by a missile, while a further 33 residents were injured.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia launched a staggering 352 drones and 16 missiles, primarily targeting Kyiv and surrounding regions. The sheer scale of the assault has raised concerns about the increasing challenges faced by Ukraine’s air defence systems in intercepting such large, coordinated attacks designed to overwhelm their capabilities.
Terrifying Experiences of Kyiv Residents
Residents in Kyiv shared harrowing accounts of survival. Valeriy Mankuta, 33, described waking up trapped beneath debris after his building was hit. “There were bricks on me, there was something in my mouth. It was total hell,” he told Reuters. Another resident, Natalia Marshavska, recounted hearing a drone buzzing before it exploded. “The force threw me across the room. It was horrible,” she said to AFP.
Emergency services released footage showing residents being led from burning and destroyed buildings. Metro stations, which often serve as bomb shelters, sustained damage, as did classrooms and dormitories at a university campus Kyiv air attack.
Attacks Beyond Kyiv
The air assault extended beyond the capital. In the nearby city of Bila Tserkva, a drone strike on a hospital resulted in one death. In the southern Odesa region, two people were killed and at least twelve others injured when Russian missiles hit a school and residential areas. “None of these Russian strikes are accidental — the Russian army knows exactly where it is targeting,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Zelensky Meets UK PM Keir Starmer
Amid the ongoing attacks, President Zelensky travelled to London for critical talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, focusing on continued British military support for Ukraine. The meeting underscored Kyiv’s growing reliance on Western allies as Russia intensifies its offensive Kyiv air attack.
Zelensky is also scheduled to attend a dinner at the upcoming NATO Summit in the Netherlands on Tuesday, where he is expected to urge further international support and enhanced military aid.
Ukrainian Commander Vows Retaliation
Ukrainian military chief Oleksandr Syrsky emphasized that Ukraine would increase strikes against Russia rather than remain on the defensive. “We will not just sit in defence. This brings nothing and eventually leads to retreat, loss of lives, and territories,” he stated.
Mounting Casualties as War Intensifies
This latest attack follows a series of devastating strikes last week that killed at least 28 people and injured over 100. The scale and frequency of Russian air assaults have escalated dramatically in recent weeks, marking some of the deadliest attacks on Kyiv since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
The war, now in its third year, continues with no significant diplomatic progress. The last round of direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv ended nearly three weeks ago, producing limited agreements on prisoner exchanges and returning the bodies of fallen soldiers. No further peace talks are scheduled.
Geopolitical Implications
The escalation comes amid broader global tensions, including the ongoing crises in the Middle East and shifting alliances at key international summits. President Zelensky had previously planned to meet with US President Donald Trump during the G7 summit, but that meeting was canceled after Trump abruptly departed due to escalating conflict in the Middle East.
As diplomatic efforts remain stalled, Ukraine’s leadership continues to stress the need for enhanced air defence capabilities, long-range weapon systems, and increased Western military aid to counter Russia’s growing aerial campaign.
Conclusion
Monday’s deadly attack underscores the devastating human toll of Russia’s intensifying air offensive. With mounting casualties and little progress on peace talks, Ukraine remains locked in a battle for its sovereignty and survival. The world’s attention will now shift to the NATO summit in the Netherlands, where Western leaders will likely face renewed pressure to deliver stronger support for Ukraine.
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External References
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