In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine, employing a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones overnight on Thursday. This assault resulted in the deaths of at least 21 individuals, including three children, and left over 20 others injured. The Ukrainian air force reported that 598 drones and 31 missiles were deployed, marking one of the deadliest assaults since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022.
Widespread Damage and Casualties in Kyiv
The attack primarily targeted residential areas in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, causing extensive damage to apartment buildings and infrastructure. Among the affected were the offices of the European Union and the British Council, both of which reported significant destruction. Heavy machinery was deployed to clear debris, as local officials warned that several people might still be trapped beneath the rubble.
One resident, identified as Andriy, described the harrowing experience of narrowly escaping the strike. “If I had gone to the shelter a minute later, I would not be here now,” he stated. “I came out, could not hear anything, there was fog everywhere, and my left eye was completely covered in blood.”
International Reactions and Calls for Accountability
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack as a “horrific and deliberate killing of civilians,” emphasizing the need for renewed sanctions against Russia. He stated, “The Russians are not choosing to end the war, only new strikes,” urging the international community to hold Russia accountable for its actions.
In response to the attack, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz asserted that a planned meeting between President Zelensky and President Putin was now “obvious” not to happen. He noted that the attack showcased “Russia’s true face” and highlighted the increasing recklessness of the Russian regime.
The Kremlin, however, claimed its operations targeted military sites, asserting that it remains interested in diplomatic negotiations. Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Kremlin, stated, “The Russian armed forces are fulfilling their tasks,” and maintained that strikes would continue while expressing a desire to achieve goals through political means.
In Washington, Donald Trump, the former U.S. President, expressed dissatisfaction with the strikes, urging both sides to seek an end to the conflict. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt remarked that Trump was “not surprised” by the escalation, underscoring the long-standing nature of the conflict.
Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, also criticized the attacks, stating they undermine peace efforts. He emphasized that the second largest aerial assault of the conflict targeted civilians rather than military assets, asserting that such actions threaten diplomatic progress.
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer accused President Putin of “sabotaging hopes of peace,” while French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the strikes as acts of terror. Macron remarked, “This is Russia’s idea of peace,” reflecting widespread international condemnation of Russia’s actions.
As tensions continue to mount, Ukraine aims to secure guarantees of protection, including the potential deployment of Western troops, before entering any peace negotiations. In a retaliatory move, Ukraine reported successfully targeting two large refineries in Russia, calling these strikes a justified response to ongoing aggression.
The situation remains fluid as the international community watches closely, with calls for accountability and renewed diplomatic efforts growing amid the ongoing conflict.
