Deadly missile and drone assaults hit nearly every district of Kyiv, intensifying fears as Ukraine’s war enters a dangerous new phase
The Ukraine war intensified early Friday as Kyiv came under a massive attack, with explosions rippling across almost every district of the capital. The assault — one of the most widespread in recent months — left at least one person dead and more than a dozen wounded, according to emergency services.
Officials said missiles and drones targeted critical infrastructure, including energy and rail facilities, as well as residential areas. The strikes generated widespread fires, building collapses, and citywide chaos as air defenses scrambled to intercept incoming threats.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko called it a “massive enemy attack”, confirming that air defense units were fully operational across the capital. Emergency services reported that more than 40 people were rescued from damaged buildings and burning sites.
Capital Hit from All Directions
City officials described an attack so extensive that eight of Kyiv’s ten districts sustained damage. Fires broke out in multiple high-rise buildings, forcing emergency medical teams to spread thin across the city.
Among the injured was a pregnant woman, while another victim was in “extremely serious condition.” Kyiv’s heating networks also took damage, temporarily cutting heat to parts of the Desnyansky district. Authorities warned that electricity and water supplies could face disruptions as damage assessments continue.
AFP reporters on the ground observed tracer rounds lighting up the sky as Ukrainian forces attempted to shoot down drones. Anti-missile systems thundered across the city through the early morning hours.
“Russians are hitting residential buildings,” said Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration. “There are a lot of damaged high-rise buildings throughout Kyiv, almost in every district.”
A Deepening and Entrenched Conflict
The latest Russia strikes come as Kyiv’s Western allies increase political and economic pressure on Moscow.
Canada unveiled new sanctions this week targeting Russia’s drone and energy production, while G7 foreign ministers issued a renewed call for an immediate ceasefire, urging “unwavering” support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The European Commission is also weighing the use of frozen Russian assets to provide Ukraine with financial and military support over the next two years.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, Moscow has rejected ceasefire proposals, including recent attempts by US President Donald Trump to revive stalled peace negotiations. On the ground, Russian forces continue pushing across eastern Ukraine, attempting to seize more territory in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions.
This week, Russia claimed control of three additional villages along the sprawling front line, highlighting its advantage in manpower and equipment.
Experts warn that Russia’s increased targeting of energy infrastructure could leave Ukraine vulnerable to heating shortages during the winter months — a potentially devastating blow as the war nears its fourth year.
Final Thoughts
As the Kyiv attack underscores, the Ukraine war is entering an even more perilous chapter. If you want to stay informed on major global developments like this, follow, share, or leave a comment — your engagement helps keep important stories in the spotlight.