Kyiv, Ukraine – A devastating Russian missile and drone attack struck the city of Kyiv overnight, resulting in the tragic deaths of nine individuals and leaving 70 others injured, including six children, as reported by Ukrainian authorities on Thursday. The Kyiv City Military Administration detailed that the attack involved a combination of drones and ballistic missiles launched by Russia. Over 45 drones were identified during the assault, with ongoing updates expected from Ukraine’s Air Force to provide more precise figures. The brutal attack unfolded following a standstill in peace negotiations, marked by tensions between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over the issue of ceding Crimea to Russia in a potential peace agreement.
The aftermath of the attack left at least 42 individuals hospitalized in Kyiv, according to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service, with rescue efforts ongoing to locate individuals trapped under the rubble. In one devastated residential building in Kyiv, emergency response teams worked tirelessly to rescue those in distress, including a woman who was trapped beneath debris and emerged covered in dust, injured and in pain. Scenes of chaos and devastation unfolded as fires broke out in multiple residential buildings across Kyiv, with reports of structures in several neighborhoods being impacted by the attack.
Among the affected residents was Oksana Bilozir, a student who suffered a head injury during the assault. Despite her wounds, Bilozir recounted the terrifying experience of hearing explosions and witnessing the destruction of her home, emphasizing the fear and uncertainty brought on by the ongoing conflict with Russia. With fires raging in different parts of Kyiv, individuals like Anastasiia Zhuravlova found themselves seeking refuge in basements after their homes were damaged by the blasts. For Zhuravlova and her family, the sudden explosions shattered windows, sent objects flying, and prompted a rush to seek shelter in the face of imminent danger.
As the city of Kyiv grapples with the aftermath of the vicious attack, residents like Bilozir and Zhuravlova reflect on the profound impact of the ongoing war with Russia and the urgent need for defense against further aggression. The resilience and courage exhibited by individuals amidst the chaos serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the pressing necessity for international support to secure peace and stability in the region.