At least 16 people were killed in a large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv and nearby regions overnight, local authorities reported on Thursday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the international community to take stronger action against what he called Russia’s ongoing “escalation.”
Rescue workers searched through the rubble of destroyed buildings in Kyiv early in the morning. A children’s hospital was also damaged in the strikes. Two bodies were recovered from one residential building, with grieving relatives present at the scene.
One 45-year-old resident, Maria Abramova, said: “There used to be a building here — now it’s gone.” She had just reached home with her children after hearing air-raid alerts when explosions began. The blasts blew out her windows, and her husband narrowly escaped injury.
Russia has been increasingly using ballistic missiles against Kyiv. These weapons travel at thousands of kilometres per hour and can reach the capital within minutes of an alert, leaving civilians little time to seek shelter.
On Wednesday night, the first explosions were heard in Kyiv less than three minutes after official warnings were issued. Ukraine’s ability to intercept ballistic missiles remains limited and relies heavily on U.S.-made Patriot air-defence systems.
Zelenskyy said in an evening address: “We need missiles for our Patriots — only our partners can provide them.” He stressed the urgency of faster decisions, particularly from the United States.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed 15 deaths in the capital, with one additional fatality reported in the wider Kyiv region. Warehouses in the Boryspil area outside the city were also damaged.
The assault lasted nearly nine hours. According to Ukraine’s air force, Russia launched at least 44 missiles, of which 39 were intercepted. The attack involved ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones.
Moscow stated that it targeted military-industrial facilities, a transport and logistics centre, and warehouses in and around Kyiv.
Ukraine continues to appeal to allies for additional air-defence support as Russian missile strikes intensify.

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