In the early hours of Thursday, the city of Kyiv in Ukraine experienced one of its deadliest air raids in recent months.
Deadly Night in Kyiv: Child and Mother Among Six Killed in Missile Attack
Russian forces launched a massive missile and drone attack, killing at least six people, including a six-year-old boy and his mother, and injuring at least 82 others, according to Ukrainian officials.
The attack began during the night and lasted for hours, causing chaos and destruction across the capital. Residential buildings, schools, and hospitals were hit in 27 different areas of the city. Loud explosions echoed across Kyiv, and the night sky lit up with fire and smoke as emergency teams rushed to help the injured and locate survivors.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Russian forces launched more than 300 drones and eight missiles during the strike. He described the attack as Russia’s answer to Ukraine’s efforts to seek peace through alliances with the United States and Europe. In a statement posted on Telegram, he said, “Today the world has once again seen Russia’s response to our desire for peace with America and Europe. Therefore, peace without strength is impossible.”
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In one tragic incident, 62-year-old Yurii Kravchuk stood wrapped in a blanket outside a damaged building, a bandage around his head. He told reporters that he had heard the missile alert and was trying to wake up his wife when an explosion shook their home. His daughter was injured and had to be taken to the hospital.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that five missiles made direct hits and 21 drones reached their targets. Emergency crews worked through the debris, cutting through concrete blocks and battling fires across multiple sites to find trapped residents.
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Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that the attack wounded nine children, making it the night with the highest number of injured children in the city since Russia launched its full-scale invasion over three years ago.
People on the ground captured images and videos showing burning buildings, shattered windows, and smoke billowing from multiple areas. One of the most heartbreaking visuals showed a ruined residential block, where President Zelenskyy said rescuers were still trying to reach people trapped beneath the rubble.
Hospitals reported an overload of patients, with injured people pouring in from various districts. The wounded included children, older adults, and families who were caught in their homes when the strikes occurred. Rescue workers and medical teams worked through the night to treat the injured.
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According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the country’s defense systems successfully intercepted 288 drones and three cruise missiles. However, the remaining weapons caused severe destruction in areas far from the front line.
Russia has repeatedly claimed that it does not target civilians. Still, attacks like these have become more frequent, especially on towns and cities not directly involved in front-line combat.
Trump’s Tariff Warning and Russia’s Aggressive Response
Tensions between the United States and Russia have been escalating. Just two days before the strike, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would impose tariffs and other economic penalties on Russia if it did not show signs of moving toward ending the war within 10 days.
Ukraine’s Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko responded to the recent air raid by saying, “This is Putin’s response to Trump’s deadlines.” She urged the global community to respond with maximum pressure.
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The political tension has added another layer of urgency to the ongoing war. Observers view Thursday’s attacks as one of the most aggressive moves by Russia in recent months, especially given the scale and intensity of the drone and missile deployment.
Despite the chaos, Ukrainian air defense systems showed resilience by preventing even more significant damage. But the tragedy of lost lives—particularly that of the young boy and his mother—has shaken the city and the world.
Emergency teams continue to assess the damage and help affected families. With schools, hospitals, and homes damaged across Kyiv, the city is once again facing the challenge of recovering from yet another brutal night.