Massive Russian Assault on Kyiv: Deadliest This Year
In the most devastating attack on Kyiv in 2025, at least nine people were killed and over 70 injured during a six-hour overnight bombardment by Russian forces. The strike used 145 drones and 70 missiles, including 11 ballistic missiles, with Ukrainian air defenses intercepting many—but not all—threats.
Key Points:
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Scale of Destruction: Fires erupted across Kyiv. Over 40 buildings were damaged, including homes, garages, vehicles, and administrative sites.
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Casualties: Six children were among the injured; dozens of residents have been displaced.
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Hardest Hit Area: The Sviatoshynskyi district saw the most destruction. Emergency teams are still searching for survivors under rubble, guided by sniffer dogs and climbing experts.
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Ongoing Danger: Authorities reported mobile phones ringing under debris, suggesting more victims remain trapped.
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Wider Impact:
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In Kharkiv, drone and missile strikes damaged a school, hotel, polyclinic, and residential areas.
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In Pavlohrad, 14 buildings were damaged.
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In the Zhytomyr region, a secondary strike injured a rescue worker.
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Rail Disruption: Ukrainian railway infrastructure was hit but train services remain operational.
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International Reactions:
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President Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, noting they occurred 44 days after Ukraine accepted a ceasefire proposed by the U.S.
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U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Ukraine, particularly Zelenskyy’s refusal to concede Crimea, and threatened to withdraw from peace mediation.
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A diplomatic summit in London was disrupted by the sudden withdrawal of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
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Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Sybiha accused Russia of sabotaging peace talks.
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The latest Russian assault on Kyiv marks a significant escalation and underlines the fragility of ongoing peace efforts. Despite Ukraine’s agreement to a ceasefire, Russia continues to strike, undermining diplomatic progress. The attack has intensified humanitarian concerns and placed additional pressure on international actors to hold Russia accountable. As diplomatic channels falter, the path to peace remains uncertain and increasingly complex.
