Russia’s Largest Strike on Kyiv Kills 4, Injures Dozens

Russia carried out one of its most intense aerial assaults on Ukraine early Sunday, launching hundreds of drones and missiles at Kyiv and several other regions. The overnight strike killed at least four people, injured 67, and caused widespread damage, including to a cardiology clinic, factories, and residential buildings.

Ukraine’s military reported that Russia fired 595 drones and 48 missiles, with air defences intercepting 568 drones and 43 missiles. The main target was the capital, where residents endured more than 12 hours of bombardment. Explosions, drone sightings, and booming air defences echoed across Kyiv, while smoke drifted over the city as the all-clear was issued at 9:13 a.m. local time (0613 GMT).

Poland temporarily closed airspace near two southeastern cities and scrambled jets during the attack before reopening it once the threat had passed.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the assault and urged international partners to act swiftly to block Russia’s energy revenues. “The time for decisive action is long overdue, and we count on a strong response from the United States, Europe, the G7, and the G20,” he said on Telegram.

Russia’s defence ministry confirmed the operation, calling it a “massive” strike targeting Ukrainian military infrastructure, including airfields. Moscow has repeatedly denied striking civilians, though thousands of non-combatants have been killed since the war began.

In Kyiv’s suburbs, newly built homes were destroyed, and parked cars crushed by debris. Residents picked through wreckage while others sheltered in metro stations, following updates on their phones.

Ukraine’s air defences remain under pressure in 2025, with Zelenskyy confirming the deployment of an additional Patriot missile system from Israel and two more expected later this autumn. He has urged allies to send more systems, but global demand remains high amid broader security concerns.

Other cities, including Zaporizhzhia, also came under fire, with at least 16 injuries reported there. Among the fatalities nationwide was a 12-year-old girl, though local authorities have yet to officially confirm her death.

Emergency services said rescue and recovery operations are ongoing across affected areas.

Ukraine remains on high alert following the large-scale strike, as officials continue to assess damage and brace for further attacks.