Kiev Mourns 12 Dead After Russia’s Massive Night Attack

At least twelve people were killed and 34 wounded in a heavy Russian attack on Ukraine’s capital, Kiev, authorities reported on Thursday. Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the death toll in an update, while the State Emergency Service put the number of injured at 34. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the assault on social media, saying Russia had been “preparing this for a long time.” He said the attack combined ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones “to cause the greatest possible damage to civilian infrastructure.” In Kiev, residential buildings were hit, including a multi-story block whose upper floors were destroyed. A children’s hospital and a school were also damaged. Zelensky added that twelve people died in the capital and one more in the surrounding region, with around 40 injured overall. Elsewhere, Russian drones struck a border post with Moldova in the Odesa region and gas infrastructure in Chernihiv. Zelensky warned that while Moscow invests in missiles and escalation, these attacks “do not always receive the response they should from the international community.” He stressed that without sufficient anti-ballistic defense, Russia will not seriously consider peace. Ukraine is working daily on the FREYJA anti-ballistic defense initiative, he said. But for now, Patriot interceptor missiles cannot be replaced, and Ukraine needs them every day. “Each additional missile saves our people’s lives. I thank all who understand this and find ways to help,” he added. Friday will be a day of mourning in Kiev. Flags will fly at half-mast, and all entertainment events are banned, Klitschko said on Telegram.