Kyiv hit by overnight Russian drone and missile strikes

Russian forces launched a large-scale overnight drone and missile strike on Kyiv, killing at least 10 people, and injuring 38 people as fires broke out across the city.

"Unfortunately, the Russians' style is typical in their attacks," Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv's military administration, wrote on Telegram, noting the use of combined strikes from multiple directions that systematically target ordinary residential buildings.

The assault caused heavy damage to numerous high-rise apartment blocks, particularly two large buildings on opposite sides of the Dnipro River.

In Darnytskyi district, eastern Kyiv, a five-storey building was partially destroyed, with rescue teams still searching the rubble for residents.

Overall, emergency crews are responding to more than 20 sites as fires continue to burn across the city.

The attack also struck the EU delegation’s building, though staff were unharmed.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed this on X, condemning Russia’s “indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure” and stressing that Moscow must engage in negotiations for a “just and lasting peace.”

She added that the EU will soon impose further sanctions on Russia and is advancing work on frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's reconstruction.

Echoing this stance, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the EU is summoning the Russian envoy in Brussels, emphasising that "no diplomatic mission should ever be a target."

EU Commissioner Marta Kos also expressed full solidarity with EU staff, their families, and all Ukrainians affected by the assault, stating: "I strongly condemn these brutal attacks, a clear sign that Russia rejects peace and chooses terror."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as Russia’s response to diplomatic efforts, called for stronger sanctions, and urged reactions from China and Hungary.

Despite the large and deadly overnight strike on Kyiv, the Kremlin said on Thursday that it remains interested in pursuing peace talks on Ukraine, highlighting a stark contrast between Moscow’s diplomatic statements and its military actions.

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News Politics Kyiv RussiaUkraineWar RussianMissileStrike DroneAttack CivilianCasualties DniproRiver UkraineCrisis