Kyiv:Russia launched one of its largest aerial assaults on Ukraine overnight, firing 550 drones and missiles across the country. The capital, Kyiv, was the main target, where 23 people were injured, including 14 who were hospitalized, as explosions rocked multiple neighborhoods and debris rained down.
Ukraine’s Air Force said most of the weapons used were Iranian-made Shahed drones, along with 11 missiles. Ukrainian defences managed to intercept 270 targets, including two cruise missiles, while another 208 disappeared from radar and are believed to have been jammed. Despite the interceptions, Russia successfully hit eight locations using nine missiles and 63 drones.
Kyiv saw widespread damage. In Sviatoshynskyi district, a 14-story residential building was struck, setting off a fire. In Solomianskyi, a five-story building partially collapsed, and a seven-story building caught fire. Fires were also reported at warehouses, garages, and an auto repair facility. Drone debris fell across at least 33 locations in the city. Ukraine’s national railway company, Ukrzaliznytsia, reported damage to rail infrastructure in the capital.
The attack came just hours after former U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump, in his first public remarks since the pause in military aid, said the U.S. had given Ukraine “too many weapons.” His administration recently paused shipments of key defence systems, including Patriot missiles, AIM-7 Sparrows, and Stingers, all crucial for intercepting drones and incoming missiles.
This latest strike follows another major assault less than a week ago, when Russia fired 537 drones and 60 missiles. Ukrainian officials have called for urgent international support as Russian attacks continue to escalate.