At Least 15 Killed as Russia Pounds Kyiv, Other Cities With Drones, Missiles

Russia unleashed a massive aerial assault on Ukraine early Tuesday, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens more, as waves of missiles and drones struck civilian targets across multiple cities, including the capital, Kyiv.

According to Ukrainian officials, the attack involved over 440 drones and 32 missiles, with several hitting a residential high-rise in Kyiv, leaving parts of the building in ruins and prompting frantic rescue efforts.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the bombardment, calling it one of the “most horrific” attacks on the capital since the war began. He labeled the strikes an act of “pure terrorism,” urging the international community, particularly the United States and Europe, to respond decisively.

“Putin continues these assaults because he believes he can get away with them,” Zelenskyy said. “The world must respond to terrorism like a civilized society.”

Rescue operations continued into the evening as emergency crews searched through debris. Authorities warned the death toll could rise as more victims may be trapped beneath the rubble.

The Kremlin has yet to comment on the scale of the strikes, which mark a renewed escalation in Russia’s campaign targeting Ukrainian cities.