Russian Strike Kills 17 in Central Kyiv Attack/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A rare Russian missile and drone assault hit central Kyiv, killing 17 and injuring 48. Among the dead were four children, and key diplomatic buildings were damaged. The EU and UK summoned Russian envoys following the attack.
Kyiv Missile Strike Quick Looks
- At least 17 killed, 48 injured in Kyiv airstrike
- Central Kyiv targeted in one of war’s deadliest attacks
- Four children among the dead, toll may rise
- EU and UK diplomatic offices damaged in blasts
- Russia launched 598 drones and 31 missiles overnight
- Ukrainian officials accuse Russia of deliberately targeting civilians
- EU and UK summon Russian diplomats in response
- Zelenskyy calls for harsher sanctions from the U.S.
- Putin claims military targets were hit, not civilians
- Ukrainian drones strike Russian oil refineries in retaliation
Deep Look: Russian Strike on Central Kyiv Kills 17, Sparks Global Outcry
KYIV, Ukraine — A devastating Russian air assault on Thursday morning killed at least 17 people, including four children, and wounded 48 others in Kyiv. The strike was one of the deadliest and most direct attacks on the Ukrainian capital since the full-scale war began in 2022, and it included a rare strike on the city’s center.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia launched a massive coordinated attack involving 598 drones and decoys, along with 31 missiles of various types. The barrage primarily targeted Kyiv, with confirmed hits across all 10 of the city’s districts. At least 33 locations were damaged or struck directly by debris, officials said.
Among the civilian infrastructure affected was a shopping center in the heart of the capital, dozens of residential buildings, and several foreign diplomatic facilities.
Local resident Oleksandr Khilko described arriving at a residential building in the Darnytsia district where his sister lives. The building had been struck by a missile, and people were trapped under the rubble. He managed to pull three people out, including a young boy.
“It’s inhuman, striking civilians,” Khilko said, his hands blackened with soot. “With every part of my being, I want this war to end. Every air raid siren makes me afraid.”
Sophia Akylina, a 21-year-old university student, said her home in the Holosiivskyi district was damaged.
“It’s never come this close before,” she said. “These negotiations haven’t worked. People are still suffering.”
Diplomatic Fallout: European and British Missions Damaged
The strikes prompted immediate international condemnation, particularly after two explosions landed just 50 meters from the European Union’s diplomatic mission in Kyiv. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that no staff were injured but condemned the attack.
“No diplomatic mission should ever be a target,” said Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, announcing the Russian envoy in Brussels would be summoned.
The British Council also reported severe damage to its Kyiv office. Photos shared online showed blown-out windows and widespread debris. A guard was injured in the attack but remains in stable condition. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the strikes “senseless” and accused President Vladimir Putin of deliberately sabotaging peace efforts. The Russian ambassador to London was summoned to the Foreign Office.
Peace Talks Falter as Russia Advances
The attack came just days after a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, aimed at reigniting peace talks. While the talks initially showed signs of progress, Thursday’s violence has undermined that momentum.
“Russia chooses ballistics over dialogue,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted on X. “We expect every country that calls for peace to act, not stay silent.”
Zelenskyy repeated his call for stronger U.S. sanctions targeting the Russian economy, warning that the Kremlin is not serious about negotiations. Trump expressed frustration with the lack of follow-through from Putin and said he would make a decision about next steps within two weeks if direct talks between leaders are not scheduled.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military confirmed that Russian forces have advanced into an eighth region, further eroding hopes for a negotiated ceasefire.
Russia Claims to Hit Military Targets, Civilians Disagree
Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed the strikes targeted military facilities tied to Ukraine’s defense industry, including airbases and weapons factories. The Kremlin said it used precision long-range weapons, such as Kinzhal missiles.
“All designated targets were destroyed,” the ministry stated.
Ukrainian officials refuted those claims, citing the extensive civilian casualties and destruction of residential areas. Ukraine’s growing domestic arms industry does operate in areas with stronger air defense, but strikes often impact nearby civilian zones. The shopping mall hit in central Kyiv is not near any confirmed military sites.
Ukraine’s national railway company, Ukrzaliznytsia, also reported damage to infrastructure in both the Vinnytsia and Kyiv regions. This has caused major train delays and required rerouting of services.
Ukraine Responds with Drone Strikes on Russian Oil Infrastructure
In a separate development, Ukrainian drones reportedly hit multiple oil refineries deep inside Russian territory overnight. Fires broke out at the Afipsky refinery in the Krasnodar region and the Novokuibyshevsk refinery in Samara, Russian officials confirmed.
These attacks are part of a wider Ukrainian campaign targeting Russia’s war economy. Fuel shortages and price surges have already been reported across several Russian regions as a result.
Russia’s defense ministry also claimed it intercepted 102 Ukrainian drones, mostly in southwestern areas. Ukraine has increased long-range drone use in recent weeks to disrupt Russian supply lines and economic infrastructure.
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