Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, endured another intense overnight drone assault by Russian forces, leaving at least two people dead and 13 others injured, according to Ukrainian officials. Fires erupted across multiple areas of the city as air defense systems scrambled to intercept the attack.
Officials reported that debris from a downed drone crashed into the roof of a residential building in the central Shevchenkivskyi district. Social media videos—still unverified—captured explosions lighting up the night sky, indicating a massive aerial bombardment. Ukraine’s military also warned of the possibility of a ballistic missile strike during the night.
This comes just days after Ukraine experienced its most extensive aerial attack to date, with 728 drones and 13 missiles launched across the country in multiple waves.
Kyiv’s military administration confirmed early Thursday morning that six different city districts were hit by drone strikes. Residential buildings, vehicles, warehouses, offices, and other structures were reportedly engulfed in flames. “Unfortunately, we have two dead,” said Tymur Tkachenko, head of the city’s military administration. “These people were killed by the Russians. This is a terrible loss.”
In the Podilsky district, Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko stated that a primary healthcare center had been “almost completely destroyed.” Authorities have urged residents to stay in shelters until air raid alerts are over and to keep windows closed due to heavy smoke throughout the city.
Ukraine’s air force also flagged potential drone strikes in other regions, although there were no immediate reports of casualties outside Kyiv. Russia has not yet responded to the latest attack claims.
Meanwhile, in eastern Ukraine, three people were killed in a Russian airstrike on Kostiantynivka, near the frontline, according to Ukraine’s emergency services.
In related developments, Reuters reported that the United States has resumed weapons shipments to Ukraine, days after pausing deliveries of critical air defense systems. The move follows growing frustration expressed by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“We get a lot of bullshit thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth,” Trump told reporters. “He’s always nice to us on the surface, but it means nothing.”
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov brushed off the remarks, saying, “Trump’s language is usually quite harsh. We’re calm about it.”
Despite ongoing dialogue between the two leaders, there has been no real progress toward a ceasefire in Ukraine—something Trump previously claimed he could achieve “in one day.” While Trump has frequently threatened sanctions on Russia, none have been formally imposed since he took office in January.
Later Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of a summit in Malaysia to discuss the worsening situation.
President Vladimir Putin began Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The war continues with no clear end in sight.
