Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine on Thursday, killing at least 23 people in Kyiv including four children. The strike marked the deadliest assault in months and represented the second-largest attack since Russia's invasion began in 2022.
The bombardment damaged the European Union's diplomatic office and the nearby British Council office in central Kyiv. Scores of other civilian buildings across the capital were also hit during the 11-hour assault.
Scale of the assault
Russia fired 598 attack drones and 31 missiles across Ukraine over the extended period, beginning at approximately 3 a.m. Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted most of the incoming projectiles, but significant damage still occurred throughout the capital.
A five-storey residential building in the Darnytskyi district was completely reduced to rubble. According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, eight people remain missing while 53 others were injured in the attacks. Rescue operations continued late into Thursday evening.
Political ramifications
Zelensky said the strike demonstrated that Moscow is choosing "ballistics instead of the negotiating table." The Ukrainian president characterised the assault as the clearest signal since recent peace discussions that Vladimir Putin plans to reject diplomatic efforts.
The Wall Street Journal described the attack as a strategic blow to Western institutions supporting Kyiv, occurring shortly after President Donald Trump hosted Putin to restart peace negotiations. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump "was not happy about this move, but he was also not surprised."
International response
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the EU is preparing a 19th sanctions package to force Putin "to the negotiating table." She vowed that European security guarantees would "turn Ukraine into a steel porcupine."
Kyiv observed a day of mourning on Friday following Thursday's devastating attack. The targeting of diplomatic facilities has intensified international condemnation and calls for strengthened support for Ukraine.
Sources used: "The Week", "The Guardian", "Morning Star", "Independent", "Wall Street Journal", "Politico"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
