KYIV, Ukraine – A massive Russian drone and missile assault on Kyiv overnight has killed one person and injured at least 26 others, Ukrainian authorities confirmed on Friday.
The attack, described by President Volodymyr Zelensky as one of the most “cynical” of the war, targeted nearly every district of the capital in a dramatic escalation of hostilities.
Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched a record 539 drones and 11 missiles during the assault, with 72 drones reportedly penetrating the country’s air defences — the highest number since the invasion began.
Air raid sirens blared for over eight hours as multiple waves of strikes kept residents in shelters throughout the night. Thick smoke blanketed the city skyline by morning, as emergency crews scrambled to extinguish fires in residential areas.
Videos released by Ukraine’s state emergency service showed blazes engulfing homes, schools, and cars. Railway infrastructure was also reported damaged, while Poland’s foreign minister confirmed that Warsaw’s consulate in Kyiv sustained minor damage in the blasts.
One body was recovered from rubble in the Svyatoshynsky district, and injuries were reported across the capital. Additional strikes also hit the regions of Sumy, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, and Dnipropetrovsk.
The strikes followed a phone call between US presidential candidate Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking afterward, Trump said he was “disappointed” that Putin showed no willingness to end the war. In response, Zelensky accused Russia of using the conversation to signal its refusal to pursue peace.
“Russia once again demonstrates that it does not intend to end the war,” Zelensky said on Telegram, describing a “harsh, sleepless night” for Kyiv’s citizens. He urged international allies to increase sanctions and expedite weapons support.
Later on Friday, Zelensky and Trump spoke again — this time about Ukraine’s urgent need for air defence systems. The call came amid reports that the US has paused some shipments of critical weapons. Zelensky said the conversation was “very important and fruitful,” and that both sides agreed to work on bolstering Ukraine’s air defences.
The Kremlin defended the overnight attack, calling it a response to alleged “terrorist acts” by Ukraine. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone reportedly struck Russia’s Rostov region, killing one woman near the border.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte weighed in on the stalled US weapons aid, expressing hope for “a level of flexibility” to ensure Ukraine gets the support it needs. Germany also confirmed ongoing discussions with the US to purchase Patriot missile systems for Ukraine.
As the war grinds into its fourth year, peace efforts remain elusive. Putin has reiterated claims that Ukraine belongs within Russia’s sphere of influence, declaring last week that “the whole of Ukraine is ours.”
For Kyiv, Friday’s strikes underscored the urgent reality that diplomatic dialogue has yet to offer any reprieve from Russia’s escalating military campaign.