Russian Missile and Drone Attacks on Ukraine Kill at Least 21 as Kyiv Suffers Heavy Damage

At least 21 people have been killed and dozens more injured after Russia launched one of its largest coordinated missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, with the capital, Kyiv, bearing the brunt of the overnight bombardment. Ukrainian officials said the assault caused widespread destruction to residential buildings, critical infrastructure and public facilities, forcing thousands of residents to seek shelter underground.

According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia fired 68 missiles and 351 drones during the attack. While Ukrainian air defenses intercepted many of the drones and some cruise missiles, officials said ballistic missiles penetrated the country’s defenses and struck their intended targets, exposing growing shortages of advanced interceptor systems such as the U.S.-made Patriot missiles.

Kyiv suffered the heaviest casualties, with at least 15 people reported dead in the city and several more killed in the surrounding region. Apartment buildings, schools and other civilian structures were damaged, while emergency crews worked through the rubble searching for survivors. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as rescue operations continued.

Thousands of residents spent the night in metro stations and underground shelters as explosions echoed across the capital for hours. Fires broke out in several districts, and rescue workers battled flames while evacuating residents from damaged buildings. The attack was described as one of the most destructive to hit Kyiv since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes, calling for Ukraine’s allies to urgently provide additional air-defense systems. He warned that the inability to intercept ballistic missiles leaves civilians increasingly vulnerable and said the issue would be a key focus during upcoming discussions with NATO partners.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense said the strikes targeted military-industrial facilities, weapons production sites and energy infrastructure, describing the attack as retaliation for recent Ukrainian drone strikes deep inside Russian territory. Ukrainian officials, however, accused Moscow of deliberately striking civilian neighborhoods, pointing to the extensive damage inflicted on homes and public buildings.

The latest assault underscores the intensifying aerial campaign between the two countries as both sides continue launching long-range strikes. Humanitarian organizations expressed concern over the mounting civilian toll, noting that the United Nations has recorded more than 16,000 civilian deaths in Ukraine since the war began.