In the pre-dawn hours Thursday, Russia unleashed a sweeping barrage of missiles and drone strikes across Kyiv, marking one of the largest assaults on the Ukrainian capital in recent months. The attack left at least 23 people dead and 63 wounded, according to Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv's military administration.
Buildings across every district were damaged as civilians sought shelter. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko described the hours-long campaign as "one of the biggest attacks on the city" in recent times.
Within hours, European Union leaders and U.S. officials signaled fresh discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, addressing a group of European counterparts, pressed for a clear roadmap to secure those guarantees as part of a peace settlement plan.
From Moscow, the Kremlin stated the strikes targeted military-industrial facilities and air bases, while accusing Ukraine of firing back at Russian territory. Despite the spike in violence, the Kremlin maintains it remains open to peace talks, even as experts warn the window for diplomacy is narrowing.
As the international community watches, the latest onslaught underscores the high stakes in a conflict that shows few signs of abating and highlights the urgent need for defined security measures and humanitarian support.
Key data:
- Casualties: 23 killed, 63 injured
- Impacted area: all Kyiv districts
- Main actors: EU, U.S., Ukraine, Russia
Reference(s):
Russia launches sweeping attack on Kyiv prompting EU and U.S. reaction
cgtn.com
