Russia launched one of its largest overnight assaults on Ukraine this year, firing hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles at Kyiv, leaving at least 27 people dead and 91 others injured in the deadliest attack on the Ukrainian capital in 2026.
Powerful explosions echoed across the city throughout the night as thousands of residents rushed to underground metro stations and bomb shelters for safety. Thick smoke blanketed parts of the capital while emergency crews raced to rescue survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
Kyiv’s military administration said around 130 buildings were damaged in the attack, including residential blocks, public facilities and critical infrastructure. Rescue operations remained ongoing, with officials warning the death toll could continue to rise as teams searched through the rubble.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cut short his visit to Ireland and returned to Kyiv, where he visited one of the hardest-hit residential buildings. He said delays in the delivery of promised air defence systems from international partners had reduced Ukraine’s ability to protect civilians from the large-scale assault.
Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched 74 missiles and 496 drones during the overnight attack, adding that the number of ballistic missiles used was unusually high. Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed the strikes targeted military, airport and energy facilities, describing them as retaliation for recent Ukrainian drone attacks inside Russian territory.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko declared Friday a day of mourning as authorities assessed widespread destruction across the city. The Ukrainian Red Cross also confirmed that one of its humanitarian warehouses had been destroyed, resulting in the loss of approximately 320,000 relief items intended for emergency operations.
The attack also damaged scientific facilities, diplomatic accommodation and ambulance stations, with children, paramedics and emergency workers among those injured. Several European countries, including Poland and Finland, temporarily activated precautionary security measures in response to the intensified military activity.
The latest escalation has renewed international calls for stronger support for Ukraine. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said additional sanctions against Russia would be proposed, while United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the strikes, describing them as part of a continuing pattern of attacks on civilian-populated areas.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, the conflict continues to intensify, with Ukraine seeking greater military support from its allies as both sides carry out increasingly large-scale cross-border attacks.
