In a brazen escalation of aggression, Russian forces launched a large-scale aerial attack on Kyiv and surrounding regions overnight, deploying approximately 500 drones and 40 missiles, resulting in at least one confirmed fatality and dozens of injuries.
The assault, which targeted residential areas and critical energy infrastructure, has left hundreds of thousands without power and heat amid freezing winter conditions, underscoring Russia's disregard for civilian lives and international norms.
President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack as a "sick" demonstration of Russia's unwillingness to pursue peace, stating that it reveals Moscow's true intentions just hours before his scheduled meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss a potential pathway to end the nearly four year conflict.
"This barbaric strike on our capital, as we prepare for critical talks, shows that Russia does not seek an end to its invasion but aims to inflict maximum suffering on the Ukrainian people," Zelensky said in a statement.
Local authorities report that the barrage began in the early morning hours, with explosions echoing across the city for several hours. Ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones struck multiple districts, damaging apartment buildings and causing widespread blackouts.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with civilians seeking shelter in metro stations amid the chaos. The number of injured has risen to at least 30, with ten requiring hospitalization, and officials warn that casualty figures may increase as assessments continue.
This attack comes at a sensitive juncture, as President Zelensky travels to the United States for discussions with President Trump on a proposed 20 point peace plan aimed at halting the war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives since Russia's full-scale invasion in February.
The timing raises serious questions about Russia's commitment to any negotiated settlement and highlights the urgent need for strengthened international support for Ukraine's defense and sovereignty.
The Ukrainian government calls on the global community to condemn this act of terrorism and to provide immediate assistance in bolstering air defenses and energy resilience. "We will not be intimidated," Zelensky added. "Ukraine stands firm in its resolve for peace, but only on terms that ensure our security and justice for our people."