Russian forces have launched a large-scale overnight drone and missile attack on Kyiv, killing at least 15 people and injuring 38 while damaging residential and other buildings across seven districts, Ukrainian officials say.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attack, which also killed a child, showed the world Russia’s answer to diplomacy amid efforts by US President Donald Trump to end the war.
“Russia chooses ballistics instead of the negotiating table,” Zelenskyy said on X on Thursday, calling for new sanctions on Russia. “It chooses to continue killing instead of ending the war.”
The Kremlin said on Thursday that it was still interested in pursuing peace talks on Ukraine despite the deadly strikes.

When questioned about a potential contradiction between Moscow’s public aim to advance in peace talks and the attack, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov informed reporters that while both parties continued their assaults on each other, Russia remained committed to accomplishing its objectives through diplomacy.

One of the biggest attacks on Kyiv in months, mayor says

Kyiv city authorities reported at least 38 injuries as the search and rescue operations were under way, with emergency services putting out the fires and sifting through the rubble of destroyed buildings.
Explosions lit up the night sky in the capital during the air alert, which lasted for over nine hours, with clouds of smoke covering the sky as drones buzzed overhead.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko described it as one of the biggest attacks on the city in recent months.

According to Ukraine’s air force, they successfully intercepted 563 out of 598 drones and 26 out of 31 missiles fired by Russia in a nationwide offensive. Hits were noted at 13 different sites, with debris falling at 26 locations.

“Unfortunately, the Russians’ style is typical in their attacks,” Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, wrote on Telegram.
“Combined strikes, from different directions. And systematic, targeting ordinary residential buildings.”
Russia’s Defence Ministry said its attack hit military industrial facilities and military air bases. Moscow has regularly denied targeting civilians but dozens have died in recent months as it has stepped up strikes on densely populated areas far from the front lines of the war.

Ukrainian officials listed numerous buildings that had suffered damage, including several high-rise apartment blocks.

In Darnytskyi district, an eastern suburb, a five-storey building had been partly destroyed, Tkachenko said, and rescue teams were searching the rubble for trapped residents.

Emergency crews are tackling the aftermath of the attacks at more than 20 sites in the capital, he said.

Ukrainian attacks on Russia also continue

Separately, Moscow’s Defence Ministry said Russian air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 102 Ukrainian drones overnight, which had targeted at least seven regions.
In the overnight attack, Ukraine’s forces attacked Afipsky and Kuybyshevskyi oil refineries, according to the Ukrainian drone forces commander.
Peskov said Ukraine’s strikes also included attacks on civilian infrastructure.
“You can see that strikes on Russian infrastructure, often on Russian civilian infrastructure, by the Kyiv regime are also continuing,” he said.
“The strikes are successful, the targets are being destroyed, and the special military operation continues. At the same time, Russia remains interested in continuing the negotiation process in order to achieve our goals through political and diplomatic means.”

You May Also Like
Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria

Leaked Data Reveals Surge in Diphtheria Cases Predating Public Health Alert by Weeks

Diphtheria numbers in the Northern Territory reportedly surged weeks before a public…
Two men have allegedly attacked each other with metal poles during a wild street brawl in Melbourne's west.

Shocking Melbourne Footpath Brawl: Man Struck Twice by Car in Intense CCTV Footage

In a dramatic street altercation captured by CCTV, two men reportedly clashed…

Pete Hegseth Raises Alarm Over Chinese Military’s Impact on Pacific Power Dynamics

IN BRIEF Hegseth said China’s military build up and expansion could “unravel”…
Tornadoes possible as 'strong' weather system hits WA

Brace for Impact: Tornado Threat Looms as Powerful Weather System Targets Washington

Western Australia is bracing for a powerful weather system set to hit…

Trump to Take Center Stage at US Celebration After Artists Withdraw

IN BRIEF The concerts were planned as the opening ceremony of the…

US Poised to Resume Military Action Against Iran Amid Ceasefire Deal Uncertainty

IN BRIEF The draft agreement will extend the ceasefire and allow shipping…
President Donald Trump dances at an event at a charter school in The Villages, Fla., Friday, May 1, 2026.

Trump Steps In as Headliner After Artists Withdraw from Festival

An upcoming celebration of America’s 250th anniversary – “The Great American State…
Laos cave rescue

Heroic Cave Rescue: Four Men Safely Freed from Flooded Laos Cavern

In a dramatic conclusion to a tense rescue mission, authorities in Laos…
The fight began after spectators entered the field of play at Amour Park.

Individual Faces Charges Following Intense Altercation at Sydney Soccer Match

A man has been charged following a chaotic altercation at a soccer…
Professor Richard Scolyer's wife Dr Katie Nicholl shared this photo alongside an update as he continues to battle brain cancer.

Heartfelt Update: Professor Richard Scolyer’s Wife Shares Emotional Insights on His Ongoing Brain Cancer Fight

The renowned melanoma specialist and former Australian of the Year received a…
Angus Taylor has issued a rallying cry at the final day of the federal Liberal Council in Melbourne.

Taylor Ignites Enthusiasm Among Party Loyalists Following Abbott’s Presidential Tenure

Angus Taylor has issued a rallying cry at the final day of…

Predicting Popovic’s Picks: Who Will Make the Cut for the Socceroos World Cup Squad?

IN BRIEF Cristian Volpato has joined the Socceroos camp as he awaits…