Russia Launches Major Missile and Drone Assault on Kyiv

Russia carried out one of its largest recent ballistic-missile attacks on Kyiv overnight, killing at least one person in the Ukrainian capital and injuring 16 others, according to local authorities.

Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 41 missiles and 125 attack drones across the country. The barrage included 25 ballistic missiles, with most of the weapons reportedly directed towards Kyiv and the surrounding region.

Ukrainian forces said they intercepted or suppressed 18 missiles and 108 drones. Despite those interceptions, fires and structural damage were reported in five districts of the capital.

Residential buildings, offices, industrial properties, vehicles, a dormitory and a supermarket were among the sites damaged. Emergency crews rescued residents from burning buildings while searches continued in affected areas.

Additional Russian attacks were reported in Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, Kherson and Sumy. The Associated Press reported that at least six people were killed across Ukraine during the wider assault.

The attack has again highlighted Ukraine’s shortage of advanced air-defence equipment. Patriot systems are considered among Ukraine’s most effective defences against ballistic missiles, but Kyiv has repeatedly warned that it lacks sufficient launchers and interceptor missiles.

Russia said its operation targeted facilities connected to Ukraine’s military production and logistics. Ukrainian officials maintained that residential and civilian infrastructure also suffered extensive damage.

Status: Confirmed; casualty assessments may change