Russia Launches Largest Missile Barrage On Kyiv/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Russia unleashed its largest drone and missile attack on Kyiv since the Ukraine war began, killing one and injuring dozens. President Zelenskyy discussed boosting air defenses with Trump as Russian assaults escalate. Ukraine struggles to repel growing aerial attacks amid stalled peace talks.
Russia Kyiv Attack Quick Looks
- Russia launches largest aerial assault on Kyiv since war began.
- Attack killed one, injured at least 26 people.
- Ukraine’s Zelenskyy held call with Trump about defenses.
- Russia fired 550 drones and missiles in seven-hour blitz.
- Kyiv emergency crews cleared 300 tons of debris.
- Ukraine’s air defenses shot down 270 targets.
- Russian attacks hit five Ukrainian regions beyond Kyiv.
Deep Look
Russia Unleashes Massive Missile And Drone Barrage On Kyiv, Sparking Urgent Talks Between Zelenskyy And Trump
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Kyiv endured its largest aerial bombardment since Russia’s invasion began over three years ago, as waves of missiles and drones pummeled the Ukrainian capital overnight in a devastating seven-hour assault.
Ukrainian officials said Russia launched 550 drones and missiles across the country, with Kyiv bearing the brunt of the attack. Shahed drones made up the bulk of the barrage, accompanied by 11 missiles.
“It was a harsh, sleepless night,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. Explosions illuminated the sky, and the wail of air raid sirens echoed through the city as residents sought shelter underground. Emergency lights glowed off shattered high-rises, and streets were littered with debris and rubble.
At least one person was killed and 26 others injured, including a child. Five ambulances were damaged while responding to emergencies, and more than 300 tons of rubble had to be cleared from affected neighborhoods, officials reported.
Zelenskyy, Trump Discuss Ukraine’s Defense Needs
Hours after the attack, Zelenskyy revealed he had a “very important and productive” call with U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to Zelenskyy, they discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses, the possibility of joint weapons production between the two nations, and broader diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s aggression.
Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, described the call as “very good,” though he admitted uncertainty about finding a path to peace.
“I don’t know. I can’t tell you whether or not that’s going to happen,” he said.
Ukraine’s military aid from the U.S. remains partly paused, including crucial air defense missiles. European allies are evaluating how to bridge the gap as Ukrainian forces strain under Russia’s relentless assault.
Civilians Share Harrowing Stories
For many Kyiv residents, the night was one of terror and survival. Alya Shahlai, a 23-year-old wedding photographer, described losing her home in the attack.
“We were all in the basement shelter because it was so loud, staying home would have been suicidal,” she said. “We went down 10 minutes before, and then there was a loud explosion and the lights went out in the shelter. People were panicking.”
Throughout the night, AP journalists heard the buzzing of drones overhead, punctuated by bursts of explosions and machine-gun fire as Ukrainian forces worked to intercept the swarm.
“Absolutely horrible and sleepless night in Kyiv,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on X, calling it “one of the worst so far.”
Russia’s Escalation Continues
Russia has been steadily increasing its long-range strikes against Ukrainian cities. Less than a week ago, Moscow carried out what was then the largest aerial attack of the war—a record now surpassed by this latest assault.
Ukraine’s Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko described scenes of “families running into metro stations, basements, underground parking garages, mass destruction in the heart of our capital.” She labeled the attack a deliberate act of terror.
Russian forces claimed to be targeting factories producing drones and military equipment in Kyiv, but widespread civilian infrastructure bore the brunt of the strikes.
Wider Impact Across Ukraine
Beyond Kyiv, the regions of Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, and Kyiv oblasts sustained damage from Russian strikes. Ukrainian defenses reportedly shot down 270 targets, including two cruise missiles. Another 208 objects disappeared from radar, presumed jammed by electronic warfare.
Russia successfully hit eight sites with nine missiles and 63 drones. Debris from intercepted drones fell on at least 33 locations in Kyiv alone, damaging homes and critical infrastructure.
Amid the chaos, Ukraine and Russia conducted another prisoner swap Friday, though neither side disclosed how many soldiers were exchanged. Zelenskyy noted that many freed Ukrainian troops had been in Russian captivity since 2022.
Despite sporadic exchanges of prisoners, peace talks remain stalled.
Trump acknowledged failing to make progress with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a call the same day. “I’m very disappointed with the conversation I had today with President Putin because I don’t think he’s there,” Trump said. “I don’t think he’s looking to stop the fighting, and that’s too bad.”
Russia’s leadership remains determined. Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign affairs adviser, said Moscow would keep fighting to achieve its goals and eliminate the “root causes” of the conflict.
As Ukraine braces for further assaults, Kyiv’s resilience remains tested—and its leaders are turning urgently to allies like the United States for support.
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