Russia launches hundreds more drones at Ukraine, killing three people | Russia-Ukraine war News
Russia Launches Major Drone and Missile Attack on Kyiv, Casualties Reported
KYIV, Ukraine — Russian forces launched an extensive assault on Ukraine’s capital city early Thursday, deploying over 1,560 drones and missiles that resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals and injuries to 40 more, according to Ukrainian officials.
The Ukrainian military reported that the strikes targeted six districts in Kyiv and six additional areas nearby. Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Kuleba confirmed that the attacks also struck southern Odesa’s ports and railway infrastructure.
In a post on X, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that rescue operations were ongoing following a significant strike on a nine-storey residential building in Kyiv. Zelenskyy detailed that 670 attack drones and 56 missiles were utilized in the offensive, which he noted was one of the largest assaults of the conflict.
“Since midnight, Russia has launched more than 1,560 drones against our cities and communities,” Zelenskyy said. “These actions do not reflect the intentions of those who believe the war is nearing an end.”
He urged international partners to condemn the attacks and to continue supporting Ukraine in defending its airspace.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that among the injured were two children, and emergency services confirmed the fatalities. Rescue workers were still assessing the situation, with fears that individuals might be trapped under the debris.
Al Jazeera’s Audrey Macalpine, reporting from the scene, indicated the scale of the drone use within a 36-hour timeframe marked a significant escalation in hostilities.
This attack comes as diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict faced new challenges. Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump facilitated a brief ceasefire, raising hopes for negotiations, while Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested the prospect of the war winding down.
However, the truce was marred by reported violations from both sides, and Ukrainian and Russian forces resumed long-range drone assaults shortly after the ceasefire expired.
The Kremlin has dismissed any interpretation of Putin’s remarks about the war potentially nearing its conclusion as a softening of its demands. On Wednesday, Russian officials reiterated their position that Ukraine must fully withdraw from the eastern Donbas region before any peace negotiations can occur.
Kyiv has categorically rejected this condition, viewing it as an unacceptable demand for capitulation.
