LONDON — At least nine people were killed and more than 80 were injured in a massive overnight Russian attack on residential areas and districts throughout Kyiv, Ukrainian officials confirmed Thursday morning.
The strike, described by the Ministry of Defense as one of the most intense in recent months, included cruise missiles, ballistic weapons, and drones, targeting peaceful civilian zones and infrastructure across Ukraine.
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“Overnight, Russia held a massive attack on Ukraine,” the ministry posted on social media. “Cruise missiles, drones, ballistic weapons — yet another strike on peaceful cities and Ukrainian homes.”
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was visiting South Africa, announced Thursday he would return to Ukraine earlier than planned in response to the escalation.
“It is extremely important that everyone around the world sees and understands what is really happening,” Zelenskyy said in a statement. “Nearly 70 missiles, including ballistic ones. And about 150 attack drones.”
The attack occurred during renewed international pressure for peace negotiations, with White House officials reportedly urging Ukraine to consider a potential ceasefire agreement that could involve territorial concessions to Russia. Former U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on Wednesday, blaming Zelenskyy for prolonging what he called “the killing field.”
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Ukraine’s State Emergency Service reported that at least 70 people were injured, including 42 hospitalized. Later Thursday, President Zelenskyy updated the figure to more than 80 people injured, including six children.
Emergency workers continued search and rescue operations in Kyiv early Thursday, combing through debris in multiple damaged residential buildings in hopes of finding survivors.
“These attacks are yet another confirmation — Russia is not seeking peace. It continues to kill Ukrainians,” Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense posted.
Multiple Regions Hit Across Ukraine
Beyond Kyiv, Russia also launched strikes in Zhytomyr, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Poltava, Khmelnytskyi, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia overnight. Damage assessments and casualty figures from these regions are still being compiled.
The latest assault adds urgency to the ongoing international debate over Ukraine’s response to the war and raises further questions about how much longer civilians can endure the relentless bombardment.
