Kyiv Under Attack: Russian Strikes Kill at Least Two

Kyiv Faces Night‑Long Drone Assault – Two Lost, Dozens Hurt

On Thursday, Russian drones and missiles struck the Ukrainian capital, leaving at least two fatalities and a dozen wounded. The attack, the second of its kind within days, came as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov prepared to meet U.S. counterpart Marco Rubio in Malaysia.

Attack Overview

• Duration: Roughly 10 hours of drone and missile activity over Kyiv.
• Targets: Peaceful settlements, civilian districts, and critical infrastructure.
• Casualties: Two killed, 13 wounded (Kyiv military administration).
• Secondary Impact: Falling debris caused fires in Solomyansky, Shevchenkivsky, Darnytsky districts; a gas station and garage also damaged.

Defence Response

Ukrainian air defences logged a “group of missiles” approaching Kyiv from the east. The national air alert was lifted later Thursday morning after the threat was neutralised. Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko reported debris‑induced fires and the city’s municipal administration warned of ballistic threats.

Public Shelter

Residents seeking refuge overnight congregated in a central metro station, sleeping on mats, calming pets, and awaiting the attack’s conclusion. The city’s military administration also highlighted the ongoing pressure on thin‑ly stretched air defences.

Regional Impact – Kherson

In southern Kherson, three people were wounded by separate Russian strikes, underscoring the attack’s broader geographic reach.

Diplomatic and Coalition Context

Washington’s top diplomat, Marco Rubio, will meet Lavrov on the sidelines of an ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur—a meeting that follows President Donald Trump’s recent, profanity‑laden remarks about Vladimir Putin. Trump alleged that Putin talked “bullshit” about Ukraine, while promising more weapons to Kyiv.

• U.S.‑Ukraine Ceasefire Proposal: The United States and Ukraine have proposed a ceasefire, but direct talks have yet to secure it.
• Coalition of the Willing: President Volodymyr Zelensky will join a call with leaders from about 30 countries, while Britain and France lead coalition discussions on supporting a potential ceasefire and possibly deploying peacekeeping forces.
• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer: The call is slated to cover “stepping up support for Ukraine and further increasing pressure on Russia.”

Key Takeaway

Ukraine’s air defences have been tested by a sustained, high‑volume missile and drone assault, highlighting the escalating pressure on the country’s civilian population and international diplomatic efforts to curb hostilities.