Image Source: X/ Jaroslava Barbieri
Russia carried out its largest aerial attack of the Ukraine war overnight into Sunday, deploying more than 800 drones and striking a government building in Kyiv for the first time. The strikes caused at least two civilian deaths, including an infant, and damaged residential buildings across the capital. Kyiv remained under air-raid sirens for 11 hours as residents sought safety.
The ongoing war began in February 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since then, multiple cities have faced repeated aerial and missile attacks, causing thousands of casualties and widespread destruction. Recent diplomatic efforts by Western allies to negotiate a peace deal have so far failed to halt hostilities, with tensions escalating further as Russia warned against any Western military presence in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that Russia launched 810 drones, four ballistic missiles, and nine cruise missiles. Most were intercepted by Ukrainian defenses, but 54 drones and nine missiles struck targets across Ukraine. This assault surpasses the July attack, previously the largest since the war began.
One user named Jaroslava Barbieri posted some Kyiv's picture of devastation aftermath Russia's one of the largest drone attack on X through her account @jarabarbieri
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as “vile,” stating: “Such killings now, when real diplomacy could have started a long time ago, are a deliberate crime and a prolongation of the war. The world can make the Kremlin’s criminals stop killing, all we need is political will.”
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko called it a “massive attack” and reported that Kyiv, Kryvyi Rih, Dnipro, Kremenchuk, and Odesa were targeted. In Kyiv, a building housing the prime minister’s office and several ministries was struck. She said: “For the first time, the Government building, its roof, and upper floors were damaged by the enemy attacks. Rescuers are extinguishing the fire. I thank them for their work.”
Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that any Western troops in Ukraine would be considered “legitimate targets for defeat.” This warning followed announcements that several Western countries could contribute to a potential peacekeeping force in Ukraine if a ceasefire deal is reached.
The drone and missile attacks have caused widespread fear and disruption across Ukraine. Critical infrastructure, government offices, and residential areas were affected, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Emergency services worked tirelessly overnight to control fires, assist victims, and maintain public safety amid continuous air-raid alerts.
Also Read: Japan’s Prime Minister Resigns: LDP Faces Critical Leadership Shake-Up After Election Losses
