Kyiv under ‘massive’ missile attack, Russian village evacuated after drone strike

The Russia–Ukraine conflict intensified early Thursday, with both sides launching major aerial attacks that struck infrastructure and residential areas.

Kyiv faced what officials described as a “massive” missile assault. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the attack was ongoing and reported impacts on both residential and non-residential buildings across the Dnipro River. Preliminary information indicated that falling debris landed near two apartment buildings in one district. No fires or immediate casualties were reported, though emergency medical teams were deployed.

Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, confirmed at least one strike in the city’s eastern outskirts, as residents reported multiple explosions. Air raid alerts remained active well past midnight.

The southeastern city of Dnipro also came under attack. Regional governor Oleksandr Ganzha said several private homes and vehicles were damaged, but no casualties were initially recorded.

Drone Strike in Russia

At the same time, Ukrainian drones targeted a military facility deep inside Russia’s Volgograd region. Governor Andrey Bocharov stated that falling debris caused a fire at a Ministry of Defense site near the village of Kotluban. Authorities ordered the evacuation of nearby residents as a precaution against potential detonations during firefighting operations.

Rising Civilian Toll

The latest escalation follows a deadly strike Wednesday in eastern Ukraine. According to Kharkiv regional military chief Oleg Synegubov, a Russian attack on Bogodukhiv killed four people, including three young children — two one-year-old boys and a two-year-old girl. Two others, including a pregnant woman, were reported injured.

The Kharkiv region has experienced increased attacks in recent weeks, particularly on transport and energy infrastructure.

Diplomatic Efforts Continue

The renewed violence contrasts with ongoing US-mediated talks between Ukrainian and Russian officials in Abu Dhabi. While a prisoner exchange was completed last week, broader negotiations have yet to yield a ceasefire or settlement.

The humanitarian impact remains severe. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine estimates that roughly 15,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed since the invasion began in February 2022, noting that 2025 has been the deadliest year so far, with more than 2,500 civilian deaths recorded.