17 Dead in Massive Russian Strike on Kyiv

Russia launched a massive overnight attack on the Ukrainian capital, killing at least 17 people and wounding over 80 others, according to Ukrainian officials. The strike involved nearly 500 drones and 75 missiles, marking one of the largest assaults on Kyiv since the war began. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported damage to residential buildings and civilian infrastructure in five city districts. At least 70 people were hospitalized, he said on Telegram. Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko earlier confirmed 13 deaths and more than 80 injuries. Ukraine's Air Force said it shot down 476 drones and 48 missiles. However, only four of the 24 ballistic missiles—the most difficult to intercept—were neutralized. Explosions from impacts and air defense interceptions echoed across the city in the early hours. President Volodymyr Zelensky had warned the previous day that Russia was preparing a large attack. He urged residents not to ignore air raid sirens and to seek shelter. In the days prior, Russia had used an unusually low number of drones and missiles, leading some observers to suspect it was stockpiling weapons for a major strike.