Russia unleashes biggest attack yet on Kyiv, kills at least 13, mayor says

Russia unleashed its most significant assault yet on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, overnight into Thursday, killing at least 13 people and injuring scores more. The city endured hours of loud explosions as ballistic and cruise missiles and drones struck, damaging buildings and civilian infrastructure across Kyiv.

Ukraine's air force reported that Russia deployed 74 missiles and 496 drones. Many residents sought shelter in metro stations as warnings were issued. Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, stated that damage was recorded in 30 locations, primarily residential buildings and civilian infrastructure. The Interior Minister confirmed damage to 20 residential buildings.

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an absolute necessity

Russia's Defense Ministry, however, claimed the strike targeted key military plants in Kyiv. In response to the intensified attacks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed to Washington for a license to acquire Patriot missiles, emphasizing the "absolute necessity" of air defense supplies. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the night as "a night of horror" and urged allies to expedite the supply of air defense systems and missiles, warning that the death toll might rise as rescue operations continued.

Sybiha rejected any justification of the Russian strikes as retaliation for Ukraine's long-range attacks, asserting that Ukraine was exercising its right to self-defense under the U.N. Charter while Russia remained the aggressor. The attacks come as Ukraine has intensified its own drone campaign against Russian military sites and energy facilities, disrupting supply lines within Russia.

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a night of horror