Kyiv, Ukraine | DerapHukum.click | A devastating overnight missile and drone assault by Russian forces struck Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, killing at least eight people and injuring more than 80, including children. The coordinated attack caused fires, building collapses, and extensive destruction across several districts of the city, 24/4/2025.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said falling drone wreckage triggered a number of fires, and it was feared people were trapped under the rubble of a residential building.
Emergency crews are continuing rescue operations amid the rubble, with two children still unaccounted for as of Thursday morning. The assault marks one of the deadliest single-night attacks on the capital in recent months.
In addition to Kyiv, explosions were reported in Kharkiv, where two people were injured and multiple residential buildings were damaged.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cut short his diplomatic visit to South Africa to return to Kyiv in the wake of the attacks. Ukrainian officials condemned the strikes, saying they underscored Russia’s disinterest in pursuing peace.
The assault coincided with renewed international efforts to broker a ceasefire, led by the United States. Zelensky, however, rejected any deal requiring Ukraine to surrender territory — including Crimea — stating Ukraine would not accept any compromise on its sovereignty.
Meanwhile, U.S. diplomatic envoy appointed by former President Donald Trump is expected in Moscow to push for a possible front line freeze, a proposal that Kyiv has firmly opposed unless accompanied by a full ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian forces.
Ukraine’s air force has issued warnings that nearly all regions of the country remain under threat of further airstrikes.
(Danis Nugraha)
