Russia initiated a significant attack on Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine early Sunday, using hundreds of drones and missiles. The assault resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals and left dozens injured, marking one of the most intense attacks on the capital since the commencement of the full-scale conflict.
In response to the escalating situation, neighboring Poland took precautionary measures by closing its airspace near two southeastern cities, prompting its air force to deploy jets until the perceived threat subsided. Ukraine’s military reported that Russia launched a total of 595 drones and 48 missiles overnight, with Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepting and downing 568 drones and 43 missiles. The primary target of the attack was identified as Kyiv, the capital city.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine condemned the relentless assault, which lasted over 12 hours and caused damage to various vital infrastructure, including a cardiology clinic, factories, and residential buildings. Images from the scene showed a residential neighborhood on fire following the Russian drone and missile strike.
The Russian defense ministry claimed responsibility for what it described as a “massive” attack on Ukraine, utilizing long-range air and sea-based weaponry alongside drones to target military facilities, including airfields. Despite Moscow’s denial of targeting civilians in the conflict, numerous casualties have been reported, and residential areas have suffered extensive damage due to the ongoing attacks.
Zelenskyy reiterated his plea to the international community to take decisive action in cutting off Russia’s energy revenues that fuel its invasion of Ukraine. Efforts to persuade U.S. President Donald Trump to impose punitive sanctions on Moscow have so far been unsuccessful, prompting Zelenskyy to stress the urgent need for a robust response from the United States, Europe, the G7, and the G20.
The assault on Kyiv commenced with loud explosions, drones hovering above the city, and the sound of air defense systems in action. Residents woke up to the chaos, seeking shelter as smoke filled the sky following the attacks. Reports from the suburbs of Kyiv revealed severe destruction, with rows of newly constructed homes reduced to rubble and vehicles crushed by debris.
The relentless attacks have strained Ukraine’s limited air defense capabilities, prompting Zelenskyy to announce the deployment of an additional Patriot missile system from Israel, with plans for two more systems to arrive later in the year. Despite appeals for international assistance to safeguard Ukraine’s airspace, the availability of air defense systems remains restricted, as other countries prioritize strengthening their defenses amid perceived threats from Russia.
Sunday’s assault targeted multiple regions, including the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, where authorities confirmed injuries to at least 16 individuals. Emergency services reported four fatalities and 67 wounded individuals across the country, with tragic details emerging, such as the death of a 12-year-old girl in the attacks.
