Russia carried out a major overnight missile and drone attack on Kyiv, killing several people and injuring many others as residential buildings were damaged.
Russia launched a major missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv overnight, killing several people and injuring many others, according to Ukrainian officials.
The attack damaged apartment buildings and other civilian areas in the city. Rescue workers were sent to several locations to search for people trapped under debris.
Ukraine said Russia used a combination of missiles and drones in the attack. Air defence systems were activated across Kyiv as explosions were heard in different parts of the capital.
The strike came just days before a major NATO summit, where Ukraine is expected to ask Western countries for stronger military support and air defence systems.
Kyiv has faced repeated Russian missile and drone attacks since the war began. However, each large attack creates fresh concern because many people live in high-rise residential buildings across the city.
Officials said emergency teams were working through the night and early morning to clear damaged areas, help injured residents and inspect buildings that may have become unsafe.
Homes and Buildings Damaged in Attack
The attack caused damage to residential buildings in several parts of Kyiv.
Windows were shattered, walls were damaged and fires broke out after debris from missiles and drones fell in populated areas.
Residents were seen leaving buildings with emergency bags as firefighters and rescue workers moved through damaged streets.
In some locations, people were pulled out of damaged homes and taken to hospitals.
Emergency services used cranes, cutting machines and rescue dogs to search through rubble.
Authorities asked people to stay away from damaged buildings because there was a risk of further collapse.
The exact number of people killed and injured may change as rescue work continues.
Ukraine Says Air Defence Stopped Many Targets
Ukraine said its air defence forces intercepted several Russian missiles and drones.
However, some targets managed to reach the city and caused damage.
Ukraine has repeatedly asked its allies for more air defence systems because Russia continues to use long-range missiles, drones and guided weapons.
Air defence systems can destroy incoming targets before they reach cities. But Ukraine has said it does not have enough systems to protect every part of the country.
Kyiv is one of the most heavily protected cities in Ukraine, but it remains a major target because it is the country’s political and administrative centre.
The city has government offices, military headquarters and a large civilian population.
Attack Comes Before NATO Summit
The strike comes as NATO leaders prepare to meet in Ankara.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to ask NATO countries for stronger decisions on military aid, air defence and long-term security support.
Ukraine has said that Russian attacks on cities show why it needs more weapons and support from Western countries.
NATO members have supported Ukraine with military equipment, training and financial assistance since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
However, there are still differences among NATO countries about how much support should be provided and how quickly it should be delivered.
Russia has criticised NATO support for Ukraine and says Western military aid is making the war longer.
Ukraine and its allies say the support is necessary to protect the country from Russian attacks.
Civilians Continue to Face Danger
The war has had a major impact on civilians in Ukraine.
Millions of people have been forced to leave their homes since the conflict began.
Many families have moved to safer parts of Ukraine or travelled to European countries.
Cities such as Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa and Dnipro have faced repeated attacks.
Apart from missiles and drones, civilians have also suffered from power cuts, damaged water systems, destroyed schools and disrupted hospitals.
During air raid alerts, people are asked to move to shelters, metro stations or protected areas.
In Kyiv, underground metro stations are often used as shelters during major attacks.
Russia Continues Drone and Missile Campaign
Russia has increased the use of drones during the war.
Drones are cheaper than many missiles and can be used in large numbers to pressure air defence systems.
Some drones are used to attack targets directly, while others are used to confuse air defence systems before missiles are launched.
Ukraine has also carried out drone attacks inside Russia, targeting military sites, fuel facilities and other infrastructure.
Both sides have used drones heavily during the conflict.
The use of drones has changed modern warfare because they can be launched from long distances and can reach targets without putting pilots at risk.
International Reaction Expected
The latest attack is likely to bring strong reactions from Ukraine’s allies.
European leaders and NATO officials may condemn the strike and repeat their support for Ukraine.
The attack may also increase pressure on NATO members to provide more air defence systems and ammunition.
Many countries have already sent military aid, but Ukraine says more support is needed because Russia continues to produce missiles and drones.
The war has also affected global food prices, energy markets and international security.
Ukraine is a major exporter of grain, while Russia is a major supplier of oil, gas and fertilisers.
Any major escalation in the war can affect markets around the world.
What Happens Next
Rescue teams will continue searching damaged buildings in Kyiv and checking for survivors.
Ukrainian authorities are expected to release updated casualty figures after completing rescue work.
The attack is likely to become a major topic at the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara.
For Kyiv residents, the latest strike is another reminder that even after years of war, the danger from missiles and drones remains present.