Russia launched its largest aerial assault on Kyiv since the start of its invasion of Ukraine, killing at least 17 people and causing widespread destruction in the Ukrainian capital, authorities said on Thursday.
The hours-long attack, involving hundreds of drones and missiles, tore through residential buildings, leaving rescue workers searching through rubble for survivors as smoke billowed across the city.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko described the bombardment as the “enemy’s most massive attack on the capital,” with explosions continuing from late Wednesday into the early hours of Thursday.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia launched 496 drones and 74 missiles, including ballistic missiles, in one of the largest coordinated attacks of the war.
Residents sought refuge in metro stations, underground shelters and basements as air raid sirens sounded across the city. Kyiv’s metro authorities said about 52,000 people, including 4,500 children, took shelter underground during the attack, the highest number recorded in recent years.
The strikes heavily damaged residential areas, leaving many families homeless.
“Half the building has been destroyed. The roof is gone,” said Sabina Mambetova, a resident whose apartment block was hit. “I’ve been left without an apartment, alone with my child.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack and appealed to the United States to approve licences for domestic production of Patriot air defence missiles to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to intercept Russian ballistic missiles.
“We also very much count on a decision by the United States regarding licences for Patriots,” Zelensky said, adding that Russia had been preparing the large-scale assault for some time.
The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, said she would propose additional sanctions against Moscow in response to the latest attack.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin signalled it would continue its military campaign. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia would intensify pressure on Ukraine to achieve its strategic objectives.
The latest assault came after Zelensky cut short an official visit to Dublin following intelligence warnings of an imminent large-scale Russian strike.
The attack also occurred amid escalating cross-border hostilities, with Ukraine increasing long-range drone strikes on Russian military and energy infrastructure in recent weeks.
Despite renewed diplomatic efforts by the United States to broker a ceasefire, there has been no breakthrough in ending the conflict, which has entered its fifth year.
