Overnight, Russia launched a fierce missile and drone assault on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, killing four people and injuring 20, Ukrainian officials reported.
The strikes caused powerful explosions that shook the city, damaged the metro system, and disrupted rail services. In one instance, a drone crashed into an apartment building in the Solomianskyi district, leaving a large hole and debris that damaged cars below.
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The attack came shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin warned, via U.S. President Donald Trump, that Russia would retaliate following Ukraine’s recent drone strikes on several Russian strategic bombers. Kyiv’s mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the casualties and injuries, with 16 of the wounded hospitalized. Residents sought refuge in underground metro stations and parking lots amid ongoing air raid sirens and anti-aircraft fire.
Russian forces also targeted other Ukrainian cities overnight. In Ternopil, missile strikes hit industrial sites and infrastructure, causing power outages and fires that released toxic substances, injuring five people. Lutsk was similarly attacked, with damage to homes, schools, and government buildings and five people injured.
The backdrop to this escalation includes a recent daring operation by Ukrainian intelligence, which destroyed several Russian strategic bombers on the ground using quadcopter drones hidden in sheds. Following these attacks, Putin reportedly discussed plans for retaliation with Trump during a phone call.
