Kyiv At least 23 people were injured after Russia launched a massive overnight drone attack on Kyiv, Ukrainian officials confirmed Friday. The strike caused damage to infrastructure, set buildings and vehicles ablaze, and disrupted transport across the capital.
The attack, described as one of the most intense in recent weeks, lasted over eight hours. Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched a total of 539 drones and 11 missiles in multiple waves. The Russia drone attack on Kyiv appeared to be the main focus of the strike, according to a statement posted on Telegram.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that 14 of the injured were hospitalized. Damage was reported in six of the city’s 10 districts, affecting both sides of the Dnipro River. In one area, falling drone debris ignited a fire at a medical facility in the Holosiivskyi district.
The Russia drone attack on Kyiv is part of a growing series of air assaults that have targeted the city of nearly three million. These strikes have intensified recently, leading to increased pressure on Ukraine’s air defence systems.
Ukraine’s Air Force said it had successfully intercepted 478 of the air weapons launched overnight. It also reported drone and missile attacks in eight other regions across the country.
In addition to injuries and fires, the overnight strikes damaged key rail infrastructure. State-run railway company Ukrzaliznytsia said the assault forced several passenger trains to be rerouted, causing significant delays.
Eyewitnesses in Kyiv described a night filled with explosions and the sound of anti-aircraft fire. Videos shared online showed residents running for shelter and firefighters battling blazes in dark, smoke-filled streets.
Meanwhile, five civilians were killed by Russian shelling near Pokrovsk, a frontline city in eastern Ukraine. It remains a major target of ongoing Russian offensives.
While both Russia and Ukraine deny targeting civilians, thousands have died since the war began in February 2022, with Ukrainian cities bearing the brunt of destruction.
The situation remains tense amid diplomatic efforts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he hopes to speak with U.S. officials about restarting weapon shipments, warning that delays could impact Ukraine’s defence capabilities.
For more on regional developments, see how Hamas seeks guarantees as Gaza ceasefire talks advance. Stay informed as diplomatic efforts evolve amid ongoing tensions.
