Russian forces carried out an overnight military operation against Kyiv that resulted in significant casualties and widespread infrastructure damage, according to Ukrainian authorities. The State Emergency Service reported at least 17 deaths, over 40 injuries, and damage to residential buildings, warehouses, a children’s hospital, and a school across multiple districts of the city.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko characterized the assault as the first time in several months that critical infrastructure was deliberately targeted in the capital. Following the strikes, residents in portions of the Desnyansky and Dnipro districts faced disruptions to hot water supplies. Power was cut to thousands of properties, leaving sections of the Kyiv region without electricity. Ukrainian officials indicated that repair work on damaged infrastructure was underway.
Ukrainian leadership emphasized ongoing shortages of air defense capabilities, with President Volodymyr Zelensky noting that lack of adequate anti-ballistic systems continues to leave the country vulnerable. According to an air force update, none of the Russian ballistic missiles employed during the overnight operation were intercepted. Ukraine has depended on American-supplied Patriot interceptor missiles to counter Russian ballistic threats, though US stockpiles have been substantially depleted through ongoing military commitments.
The Russian defense ministry stated that the operation employed air, land, and sea-based weapons to strike military facilities and warehouses. Separately, Russian forces reported intercepting 726 Ukrainian drones launched at various regions. Recent weeks have seen escalating aerial operations on both sides, with Ukraine conducting large-scale drone attacks deep inside Russian territory, including operations targeting Moscow.
Despite the intensity of military operations, diplomatic efforts to establish a ceasefire have made little headway, with both nations accusing each other of civilian casualties. A day of mourning was scheduled in Kyiv for the following day.
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