Kyiv Wakes to Devastation
The Ukrainian capital of Kyiv awoke on Thursday to scenes of destruction after an overnight Russian assault. Officials confirmed that 15 people were killed, including four children, while at least 10 more children were injured.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported an unprecedented 629 weapons launched, including 598 drones and 31 missiles, aimed at both residential and government areas.
Families Torn Apart
Photo Credit :- aljazeera
Entire neighborhoods were reduced to rubble. Survivors described the horror of sudden explosions and collapsing buildings.
One resident, Vitaliy Protsiuk, said he and his wife were preparing for the shelter when the strike hit:
“I was buried in dust. The roof was gone. The floors collapsed. My wife hasn’t been found.”
Like many others, Vitaliy spent the night in uncertainty while thousands of residents sought refuge in subway stations during the nine-hour air raid.
Widespread Damage
The assault left a trail of destruction across Kyiv:
- High-rise residential buildings destroyed
- A kindergarten and private homes hit
- Transport systems and offices damaged
- British Council and EU buildings impacted
- A shopping center in central Kyiv struck
Rescue operations involved more than 500 emergency workers and 1,000 police officers battling fires and searching debris across several districts.
International Outrage
World leaders strongly condemned the attack.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky called it “a deliberate killing of civilians.”
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described it as “outrageous,” vowing tighter sanctions.
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Putin was “killing children and sabotaging peace.”
Comparing the Scale of the Strike
| Key Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Weapons used | 598 drones, 31 missiles |
| Casualties | 15 dead, 4 children among them |
| Injuries | Dozens, including 10 children |
| Response | 500 rescuers, 1,000 police |
| Damage | Homes, schools, EU & UK offices, shopping center |
A War That Refuses to End
The attack comes amid reports that Russian troops captured two villages in southeastern Ukraine. With diplomatic talks stalled and Putin preparing to visit China for a military parade, hopes for peace appear dim.
President Zelensky summed up the grim reality:
“Russia chooses to continue killing instead of ending the war.”
Conclusion
The Kyiv strikes underline the relentless brutality of the war. As rescuers continue their search and families mourn their losses, the international community is once again reminded of the urgency for accountability and a path to peace.