Russia’s Deadly Night Assault Devastates Kyiv

Kyiv  A horrifying night unfolded in Kyiv as Russia launched one of its most devastating aerial attacks on the Ukrainian capital. Over the course of several hours, the city came under a brutal barrage of 309 drones and eight cruise missiles. The sudden and intense assault left a grim trail of destruction: at least 13 civilians were killed and more than 130 others wounded. Emergency services worked relentlessly through the night, pulling victims from the rubble and trying to restore calm amidst the chaos.

The attacks struck around 27 different locations in Kyiv, turning once-safe neighborhoods into terrifying war zones. Residential buildings, schools, markets, and hospitals bore the brunt of the destruction. More than 100 structures were damaged, including critical infrastructure that now leaves many areas without power or water. The noise of sirens and explosions continued well into the early hours, causing panic among residents and sending thousands into bomb shelters.

For many, it was one of the longest nights since the war began. Mothers clutched their children tightly in basements. Elderly people trembled as windows shattered around them. First responders described scenes of despair, with people buried under collapsed ceilings and walls. “It was like the earth itself was shaking,” said one survivor who managed to escape his destroyed apartment building in the city’s Obolon district.

The Ukrainian Air Force managed to intercept several drones and missiles, but the sheer volume overwhelmed the city’s defenses. According to military officials, this is one of the most intense air raids Kyiv has experienced in months. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, calling it “another act of terror” and urging international allies to strengthen support for Ukraine’s air defense systems.

Rescue operations continued throughout the day. Hospitals in Kyiv reported a surge in casualties, with many suffering from burns, shrapnel wounds, and trauma-related injuries. Medical staff, already stretched thin, worked tirelessly to stabilize patients. Volunteers and local NGOs provided food, blankets, and first aid to displaced families.

The psychological impact on Kyiv’s residents is immense. “We don’t feel safe anywhere anymore,” said a schoolteacher who lost her home in the strike. “Every night, we wonder if we will survive until morning.”

This latest escalation comes amid rising tensions on the eastern front and renewed diplomatic breakdowns between Russia and Ukraine. With winter approaching and infrastructure under repeated assault, humanitarian concerns are mounting. Aid agencies warn that more attacks like this could trigger a new wave of internal displacement, putting further strain on relief operations.

As the sun rose over Kyiv, the city bore visible scars of the night’s terror. But even amid broken walls and shattered glass, the spirit of resilience was evident. Volunteers cleared debris, neighbors supported each other, and a city that refuses to break began yet another day in the shadow of war.