Russian forces carried out a large-scale overnight assault on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, launching hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles that struck residential areas and critical infrastructure.

According to Ukrainian officials, the attack killed at least 13 people and wounded around 90 others, including children, paramedics, and emergency workers.

Multiple explosions were reported across the city as residents sought shelter in metro stations and underground facilities while air raid alerts sounded throughout the night.Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched approximately 74 missiles and 496 drones, with air defence systems intercepting most of them.

However, a number of ballistic missiles and drones still reached 33 locations across Kyiv, causing significant destruction to residential buildings and infrastructure.

Fires broke out in several districts, including damage to a nine-storey apartment block on the left bank of the Dnipro River, where some residents were reportedly trapped under rubble.President Volodymyr Zelensky cut short a diplomatic visit to Dublin in response to the attack and warned Ukrainians of the impending strike.Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko declared a day of mourning for the following Friday as rescue operations continued across the city.Ukrainian officials described widespread damage and ongoing emergency efforts to locate survivors.

Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed the strikes targeted military and energy infrastructure, as well as airports in Kyiv and other regions, describing the operation as retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory.It also reported downing hundreds of Ukrainian drones overnight.Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces said they struck an oil refinery in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod region, with local officials reporting casualties there.

The attack prompted renewed international reactions, including calls from European Union officials for stronger sanctions against Moscow and increased military support for Ukraine.The strike marks one of the deadliest assaults on Kyiv this year amid an ongoing conflict that has lasted more than four years.