Russia launched one of its most extensive aerial attacks on Ukraine’s capital since the start of the full-scale war, firing waves of missiles and drones at Kyiv overnight in a barrage that left civilians dead, dozens injured and large sections of the city damaged.

Ukrainian officials said the assault involved hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, including the reported use of Russia’s Oreshnik hypersonic missile system — a weapon Moscow has rarely deployed during the conflict. Explosions echoed across Kyiv for hours as air defence systems attempted to intercept incoming strikes.

Residential buildings, schools, commercial areas and cultural sites were among the locations hit during the attack, according to Ukrainian authorities. Emergency crews worked through the night to extinguish fires and search damaged apartment blocks for survivors.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the strikes as deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and renewed calls for expanded Western military support, particularly advanced air defence systems capable of countering ballistic and hypersonic missiles.

Moscow said the operation targeted military-industrial facilities and described the bombardment as retaliation for recent Ukrainian strikes inside Russian territory. Kyiv has denied intentionally targeting civilians in Russia.

The attack intensified concerns among European governments over the risk of further escalation in the region, especially following reports that the Oreshnik missile — believed to be capable of carrying nuclear payloads — was used during the operation. Several Western leaders condemned the strike and called for increased pressure on Moscow.

The latest bombardment came as diplomatic efforts to revive ceasefire negotiations remain stalled, with both sides continuing large-scale long-range attacks despite renewed international mediation attempts.

Source: Based on reporting by Reuters and other international media outlets.