Massive Russian Drone Attack Injures 16 in Kyiv, Fires Spark

UPDATE: A devastating wave of Russian drone and missile strikes hit Kyiv overnight, injuring at least 16 people and igniting multiple fires across the capital. The assault, which began early Friday, has caused significant damage to residential buildings in several districts, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

Emergency services responded swiftly to the chaos, with reports confirming that at least five individuals have been hospitalized, including a pregnant woman and one man in critical condition. Powerful explosions reverberated throughout the city as air defenses were activated to combat the onslaught.

The attack impacted at least 11 multi-storey residential buildings across various districts, including Shevchenkivskyi and Holosiivskyi, where debris from the strikes triggered fires in both open areas and nonresidential buildings. Officials have advised residents to remain sheltered until the air raid alert is officially lifted, warning of potential power and water outages.

In addition to the devastation in Kyiv, regional head Mykola Kalashnyk reported injuries to at least six more people in surrounding areas, with one man in Bila Tserkva suffering thermal burns that required hospitalization.

This latest round of strikes comes as Russian forces reportedly make territorial gains in southern Ukraine. Ukrainian troops have recently withdrawn from several villages in the Zaporizhzhia region amid intensified combat. Over the last four weeks, the Russian Defense Ministry has claimed the capture of nine settlements and villages across Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kharkiv.

Despite these incremental gains, the ongoing conflict has exacted a heavy toll on Russian forces, with high casualties and losses of military equipment. The Institute for the Study of War highlighted that Russia’s slow-moving siege of Pokrovsk is hindered by the spread of military resources.

As tensions escalate, Ukraine continues to conduct long-range drone strikes targeting high-value military assets within Russia, showcasing its resilience and commitment to countering the ongoing threat.

This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available. Stay tuned for urgent updates and further details on the situation in Kyiv and beyond.