**Russian Attacks on Kyiv Leave Trail of Destruction**
In the early hours of Thursday, Russia launched a wave of missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s capital city, Kyiv. The strikes killed at least eight people, including a six-year-old boy, and wounded 88 others.
Emergency crews were quick to respond, putting out fires and cutting through concrete blocks in search for survivors across the city. “Today the world has once again seen Russia’s response to our desire for peace with America and Europe,” said Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on the Telegram app. “Therefore, peace without strength is impossible.”
The attacks targeted Ukrainian military airfields and ammunition depots, as well as businesses linked to Kyiv’s military-industrial complex. Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed to have hit these targets with drones and missiles.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that nine children were wounded in the attack, the largest number hurt in a single night since Russia started its full-scale invasion almost three and a half years ago.
Eyewitnesses described explosions rocking Kyiv from midnight onwards, with blazes lighting up the night sky. Yurii Kravchuk, 62, stood wrapped in a blanket next to a damaged building, recounting how he and his wife were not able to get to shelter in time. His daughter was hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the attack.
The strikes are part of Russia’s increased air strikes on Ukrainian towns and cities far from the front line of the war. Despite denying targeting civilians, Russia has stepped up these attacks in recent months.
**Rescuers Dig Through Rubble**
At one location, rescuers spent over three hours cutting through the wall of a neighbouring apartment to reach a man trapped under rubble. The man was eventually pulled out alive by emergency services.
A five-month-old baby was among those wounded, with five children hospitalized, according to officials. Schools and hospitals were among the buildings damaged across 27 locations in the city.
Ukrainian air defence units downed 288 drones and three cruise missiles during the attack, while the air force reported five direct missile hits and 21 drone hits at 12 different locations.
**Commentary**
The attacks on Kyiv are a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The strikes demonstrate Russia’s willingness to use military force to achieve its goals, despite international pressure to de-escalate the situation.
“The attack was extremely insidious and deliberately calculated to overload the air defence system,” said Zelenskiy, highlighting the complexity and brutality of the Russian strategy.
The response from Ukrainian officials has been swift and strong. “This is Putin’s response to Trump’s deadlines,” said Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, referencing U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent statement on imposing tariffs on Russia if it showed no progress toward ending the conflict.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the people of Ukraine are determined to resist Russian aggression and fight for their freedom and security.
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