KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – Early on Saturday morning, Russia launched a significant attack on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, involving a barrage of missiles and drones. This assault resulted in the death of one individual and left over 20 others injured, according to local authorities. The strikes came just a day before anticipated talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict that has persisted for nearly four years.
The attack began in the early morning hours and continued for several hours as explosions resonated throughout the capital. President Zelenskyy reported that Russia targeted the city with nearly 500 drones and 40 missiles of various types, focusing predominantly on energy and civilian infrastructure. As a consequence of the strikes, several districts in Kyiv lost electricity and heating, further exacerbating the situation for residents.
During an address on Telegram, Zelenskyy expressed frustration regarding the lack of a Russian response to peace proposals put forth by the United States and the international community. He lamented, “Russian representatives hold long talks, in reality the ‘Kinzal’ and ‘Shaheds’ (drones) speak for them,” highlighting the disparity between diplomatic discussions and military actions.
The extent of the attack was severe, with over ten residential buildings reported damaged, according to Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. Emergency services were deployed to evacuate individuals trapped under the debris of collapsed structures. Among the injured were two children, and a dead body was discovered under the ruins of a damaged building, signifying the attack's tragic toll.
Significant fires broke out as a result of the strikes, particularly in an 18-story residential building located in the Dnipro district, prompting emergency crews to work swiftly to control the flames. Furthermore, a 24-story residential building in the Darnytsia district was affected, and additional fires ignited in both the Obolonskyi and Holosiivsky districts of the capital.
In surrounding areas of Kyiv, the strikes impacted industrial and residential infrastructure. In the Vyshhorod area, emergency responders successfully rescued at least one person who was trapped beneath the rubble of a devastated house. As the situation continues to develop, local authorities are focused on managing the aftermath and assisting those affected by the bombing.
