Massive Russian strike on Kyiv kills nine overnight

A Russian missile attack on Kyiv on Thursday, April 24, killed at least nine and wounded dozens in one of the deadliest strikes on the Ukrainian capital since Russia launched its invasion more than three years ago. Ukraine has been battered by Russian aerial attacks throughout the war, but deadly strikes on Kyiv, which is better protected by air defenses than other cities, are less common.

The attacks added strain to US efforts to push Russia and Ukraine toward a ceasefire, shortly after Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for rejecting Russia’s occupation of Crimea as a peace condition. Russian President Vladimir Putin has not responded to Zelensky’s offer to halt air attacks on civilians and recently rejected a US-Ukrainian call for a full ceasefire.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said the strikes showed Russia’s disinterest in peace, calling out Putin’s “maximalist demands” for Ukrainian withdrawal as unacceptable. Loud blasts shook Kyiv around 1 am, triggering sirens and forcing residents into shelters. Rescue teams worked through the night, uncovering bodies and extinguishing fires.

The State Emergency Service reported nine deaths and 63 injuries, including six children. Strikes hit five districts, damaging residential and administrative buildings. “The search for people under the rubble is underway,” said emergency services.

Russia also attacked Kharkiv overnight, firing seven missiles. Mayor Igor Terekhov confirmed two injuries and damage to populated areas. Meanwhile, Russia’s defense ministry claimed it downed 87 Ukrainian drones, including 45 over Crimea.