Russian and Ukrainian leaders have escalated their rhetoric following a large-scale Russian aerial assault on Kyiv that left at least 25 people dead and forced tens of thousands of residents into shelters.

The attack, described by Kyiv officials as one of the most intense in recent years, involved a combined barrage of missiles and drones targeting residential districts and critical infrastructure across the Ukrainian capital.According to Ukrainian authorities, Russia launched approximately 496 drones and 74 missiles during the overnight assault.

Ukrainian air defences reportedly intercepted a large proportion of these weapons, but significant damage still occurred, including the destruction of apartment buildings, emergency disruptions, and damage to humanitarian facilities.

The Kyiv metro system became a major refuge, with around 52,000 people, including thousands of children, taking shelter underground as explosions echoed across the city.

Kyiv’s mayor called the strike the “most massive attack” on the capital in recent memory, while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed that Ukraine would retaliate.

He also renewed calls for increased Western support, including access to additional Patriot missile systems and permission to domestically manufacture interceptor munitions.Zelenskyy argued that stronger air defence capabilities are essential to counter ballistic missile threats.

International reactions included condemnation from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who stressed that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure violate international humanitarian law and must cease immediately.The European Union also signalled that new sanctions against Russia would be proposed in response to the strike.Meanwhile, reports indicated that EU diplomatic facilities in Kyiv were lightly damaged, though personnel remained safe.Russia, for its part, vowed to intensify military pressure on Ukraine, maintaining its stance despite growing international criticism.

The attack also coincided with ongoing exchanges of drone strikes between both sides, highlighting the continued escalation of Europe’s largest conflict since World War II.The humanitarian toll was severe, with residents describing destroyed homes, loss of belongings, and widespread displacement.Emergency services reported missing persons, while humanitarian aid losses were also recorded after warehouse destruction.

The incident underscores the ongoing volatility of the conflict and the limited progress toward a ceasefire despite repeated international calls for de-escalation.