Injuries Reported Following Russian Drone Strike on Kyiv

In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia launched a severe airstrike on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, late Saturday night. According to military officials, this attack represents one of the largest combined drone and missile offensives against the city since the onset of the conflict. While Kyiv was the main target, other regions of Ukraine also faced assaults during the attack.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia deployed approximately 250 long-range drones and 14 ballistic missiles in this offensive. Eyewitnesses described swarms of drones buzzing over the capital, followed by multiple explosions that shook the city.

Emergency services responded quickly, battling fires that erupted in several residential buildings and even an upscale shopping center. The aftermath of the attack left at least 15 individuals injured, a number that has risen from earlier reports of eight casualties. Images from the scene depicted a woman carrying her dog across streets littered with glass shards.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the attack, emphasizing it as further evidence of Russia's refusal to agree to a ceasefire. He reiterated that only new sanctions could compel Russia to change its course. Meanwhile, there has been no immediate response from Moscow regarding the attacks.

This aggressive action by Russia follows several days of Ukrainian drone strikes targeting multiple sites in Russia, including the capital, Moscow. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had signaled on Friday that a response to Ukraine's actions was forthcoming.

The ongoing conflict, which began with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has seen intensified discussions regarding a potential ceasefire, particularly from the United States. However, these efforts have largely yielded no tangible results. Recently, a significant prisoner exchange was initiated between the two nations, which U.S. President Donald Trump suggested could pave the way for improved relations.

Lavrov also indicated that Russia would present a draft proposal for a long-term peace agreement to Ukraine, contingent on the completion of the current prisoner exchange involving 1,000 individuals from each side. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha criticized Russia for failing to deliver on its promises following initial negotiations in Istanbul a week prior, arguing that instead of pursuing peace, Russia continues to attack civilian populations with deadly drones and missiles.

He urged the international community to increase sanctions pressure on Moscow to expedite the peace process and put an end to the violence.