Russian Missile and Drone Attack Kills 17 in Kyiv Region as Zelensky Calls for More Air Defences

At least 17 people have been killed and 44 others injured after Russia launched one of its largest overnight missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, and the surrounding region, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The assault caused widespread destruction to residential neighbourhoods, commercial facilities and transport infrastructure, while rescue teams continued searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

Ukrainian officials said the attack involved 24 ballistic missiles, four additional high-speed missiles and 115 drones, many of them jet-powered. Air raid sirens sounded across Kyiv before multiple explosions rocked the city and nearby towns, igniting fires and causing extensive structural damage. Authorities said many of the missiles struck civilian locations, including warehouses, businesses, residential buildings and a railway station.

President Zelensky said none of the ballistic missiles were intercepted during the assault, blaming a shortage of advanced air-defence interceptors. He renewed calls on Ukraine’s Western allies to accelerate deliveries of additional Patriot missile defence systems and interceptor missiles, arguing that faster support could save civilian lives.

Emergency responders worked throughout the night in several districts of Kyiv and nearby communities, including Brovary, Bucha and Fastiv, where residential buildings and commercial properties were severely damaged. Firefighters battled multiple blazes while rescue teams searched through piles of rubble for survivors. Officials warned that the casualty toll could rise as search operations continued.

Among the facilities damaged was a major logistics complex belonging to Ukrainian retail chain Epicentr, as well as industrial and warehouse sites. Ukrainian authorities insisted the targeted facilities had no military significance, rejecting Russia’s claims that the strikes were aimed at military-linked logistics infrastructure.

Russia’s Ministry of Defence maintained that its overnight strikes targeted military and logistics facilities supporting Ukraine’s armed forces. Moscow has repeatedly argued that such infrastructure contributes to Ukraine’s military operations, although Kyiv says the attacks continue to disproportionately affect civilians and essential infrastructure.

The latest bombardment comes as Russia intensifies long-range missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, while Kyiv continues its own campaign of long-range drone strikes against targets inside Russian territory. Military analysts say the escalating exchanges highlight the growing importance of air-defence systems as both sides seek to weaken each other’s logistical and economic capabilities.

The deadly assault has renewed international concern over Ukraine’s dwindling air-defence resources, with Kyiv warning that delays in replenishing interceptor stocks could leave more cities vulnerable to future missile attacks. Ukrainian officials continue to urge allies to speed up military assistance as the war enters another phase of intensified aerial bombardment.