Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack as a deliberate escalation meant to prolong the conflict. For the first time since the start of the war over three years ago, the Ukrainian cabinet of ministers headquarters in central Kyiv was hit, with flames erupting from its rooftop. Emergency services scrambled to control the fire, while helicopters were seen dumping water from above.
In addition to the government compound, multiple residential buildings were damaged by drone strikes, further straining the already war-weary residents of the capital. “This has sadly become part of our daily lives,” said Olga, a 30-year-old local whose building was struck.
According to Ukraine’s air force, the attack involved at least 810 drones and 13 missiles — the highest number launched in a single barrage since the war began.
Kyiv Accuses Russia of Escalating War, Moscow Denies Civilian Targeting
Moscow claimed responsibility for targeting a factory and a logistics center in Kyiv but denied striking civilian areas or government institutions. “No strikes were carried out on other targets within the boundaries of Kyiv,” the Russian defense ministry stated.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko shared video footage of the damaged interior of the government building, vowing reconstruction but mourning the human toll. “We can rebuild structures, but lives lost are irreplaceable,” she said. “The enemy continues to spread terror and death across our country.”
International Condemnation Grows
President Zelensky, in a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, condemned the assault as a “calculated crime” intended to obstruct diplomatic solutions. Macron echoed his concerns on X (formerly Twitter), accusing Russia of deepening its commitment to “war and terror.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled the strikes “cowardly,” while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the Kremlin was “mocking diplomacy.”
The United States also weighed in. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that Washington could impose new tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil, increasing economic pressure on Moscow. “Russia’s economy will eventually crumble, and that’s what will bring Putin to the negotiating table,” Bessent told NBC.
Civilian Casualties and Destruction
Authorities confirmed two deaths in a region west of Kyiv, with more than 25 people wounded in the capital, including a pregnant woman who went into premature labor due to the blasts. Both mother and baby are in critical care.
Additional fatalities were reported in eastern and southeastern Ukraine, bringing the total to at least four dead. The foreign ministry also noted the killing of seven horses at an equestrian center, emphasizing that Russia’s campaign is destroying “every aspect of life.”
“The world cannot remain silent while a terrorist state claims innocent lives — human and animal — every single day,” the ministry stated on social media.
Peace Talks, Sanctions, and Ongoing War
This wave of attacks came just after more than 25 European countries pledged to support any future peace agreement and signaled readiness to deploy troops if needed. Ukraine continues to demand robust Western security guarantees to deter future Russian aggression.
However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that any deployment of Western troops in Ukraine would be seen as a provocation and legitimate military targets.
In the United States, President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he was open to imposing fresh sanctions against Moscow following the airstrikes. “Yeah, I am,” he said when asked about further penalties, though he declined to offer details.
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Despite international condemnation, Russia maintains control over approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory. The conflict, now well into its fourth year, has become Europe’s most devastating since World War II, with tens of thousands dead and millions displaced from their homes.
