Kyiv, Ukraine – Russia launched its deadliest assault on Ukraine’s capital in nine months early Thursday, just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of “harming peace negotiations” over Crimea.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Moscow unleashed 70 missiles and 145 drones, targeting primarily Kyiv. The Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office confirmed that at least eight people were killed in the attacks, while emergency services reported over 60 wounded and strikes on 13 locations—including residential neighborhoods and critical infrastructure.
This was the deadliest attack on Kyiv since July 2024, when 33 civilians died during an aerial bombardment of a hospital and surrounding areas.
Massive Strikes as Trump Criticizes Zelensky
The timing of the assault was notable: it came on the heels of Trump’s criticism of Zelensky on Truth Social, where he claimed the Ukrainian president’s refusal to recognize Russia’s control of Crimea was “very harmful” to peace negotiations.
Trump’s remarks follow U.S. proposals to accept Russian annexation of Crimea as part of a ceasefire deal. Zelensky has consistently rejected that position, citing Ukraine’s constitution and international law.
“It’s inflammatory statements like Zelensky’s that makes it so difficult to settle this war,” Trump posted. “He has nothing to boast about!”
Zelensky Cuts South Africa Visit Short
Following the overnight bombardment, President Zelensky abruptly ended his trip to South Africa. In a video address, he said Ukraine would intensify calls for stronger international air defense support.
“It’s been 44 days since Ukraine accepted a U.S.-proposed ceasefire. Russia has not stopped killing our people,” Zelensky said. “We must respond with unity and strength.”
Citywide Destruction and Rescue Efforts
Emergency sirens echoed across Kyiv for six hours during the attack. Multiple apartment complexes, a children’s hospital, and a public transit station were damaged or destroyed.
Rescue workers are still searching the rubble in the Sviatoshyn district, where at least two children remain missing. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko urged residents to shelter in place and said recovery operations were ongoing—mostly by hand to avoid harming any survivors beneath the debris.
At least 42 individuals were hospitalized, including six children, Ukraine’s emergency services said.
Multi-Region Attacks Across Ukraine
The strikes extended beyond Kyiv, hitting eight Ukrainian regions including Zhytomyr, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia. Five ballistic missiles reportedly penetrated Ukrainian air defenses.
Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed responsibility, stating it targeted Ukrainian defense production sites, including aerospace and munitions facilities. “All targets were hit,” the ministry said.
Diplomatic Fallout Escalates
The attack follows a week of diplomatic strain. A senior-level ministerial meeting among Ukraine, the U.S., U.K., France, and Germany was downgraded to junior-level staff after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio abruptly withdrew.
Vice President JD Vance, speaking from India, signaled frustration with the pace of negotiations. “We put a very explicit proposal on the table. It’s time for them to say yes—or the U.S. walks away.”
What Comes Next?
Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, is reportedly en route to Moscow for discussions with President Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, air raid sirens may have gone quiet in Kyiv—but for its citizens, the trauma and uncertainty remain deafening.
“Emotions have run high today,” Zelensky acknowledged on social media. “But the truth remains: Ukraine is defending not just our borders, but the principles of freedom and sovereignty.”
Categories: World News, Conflict & Security, Ukraine War, U.S. Foreign Policy
Tags: Russia, Ukraine, Trump, Zelensky, Kyiv, airstrikes, Crimea, peace talks, JD Vance, Marco Rubio
