Overnight, Russia launched a significant aerial offensive against Ukraine, deploying drones and missiles, which led to the deaths of at least four people. Kyiv was the primary target of the attacks. This represents the most intense bombardment since the previous month’s airstrike on Kyiv, which had claimed the lives of at least 21 people. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the attacks in a public statement, offering his condolences to the families affected. He emphasized the extended duration of the attacks, which lasted over 12 hours, and described them as a deliberate act of terror aimed at civilian areas.
Zelenskyy noted that Kyiv and its surrounding region, along with Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, Sumy, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, and Odesa regions, were the main targets of the strikes. “In the capital, the building of the Cardiology Institute was damaged. As of now, four people have been reported killed in Kyiv, including a 12-year-old girl. My condolences to all the families and loved ones. Across Ukraine, at least 40 people are known to have been injured, including children,” Zelenskyy wrote. The strikes caused damage to various infrastructure elements, including a bread-production facility, a tire manufacturing plant, private residences, apartment buildings, and other civilian infrastructure. Zelenskyy assured that all required services had been mobilized to manage the situation.
President Zelenskyy criticized Russia’s actions, stating that Moscow is committed to the continuation of the conflict and the infliction of casualties. He called for the international community to increase pressure on Russia. He further stated that the Kremlin profits from the ongoing war and terror, especially due to its revenue from energy sales and its shadow fleet. In light of the Russian attacks and their human cost, Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine would continue to retaliate to disrupt Russia’s revenue streams and push for diplomatic solutions. “We will continue to strike back to deprive Russia of those revenue streams and to compel it toward diplomacy. Everyone who wants peace must back President Trump’s efforts and halt any Russian imports. 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 added.