The Kyiv City Military Administration reported at least 45 drones were involved, alongside ballistic missiles. The assault began around 1:00 am and affected at least five neighbourhoods across the capital.
Fires were reported in residential buildings in Sviatoshynkskyi, Shevchenkivsky and Holosiivskyi districts. Rescue operations were ongoing Thursday morning, with emergency workers digging through rubble by hand.
A woman trapped under debris was pulled out alive, moaning in pain and covered in dust, as medics assisted her. In one haunting scene, an elderly woman sat bloodied and dazed against a wall while emergency responders treated her.
At least 42 people were hospitalised in Kyiv, according to Ukraine's State Emergency Service. The attack follows stalled peace talks and U.S. President Donald Trump criticising President Zelenskyy’s stance on Crimea.
Zelenskyy has repeatedly stated that conceding Ukrainian territory to Russia remains a non-negotiable red line. Survivors, including a student and a young mother, described terrifying moments of explosion, darkness, and fleeing to shelters amid flying debris and shattered glass.
