Russia launches 810-drone and missile assault on Kyiv in war’s largest air attack

Russia carried out its largest-ever aerial assault on Ukraine early Sunday, hitting Kyiv and setting the government’s central cabinet complex ablaze.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned the attack would extend the conflict, which has now lasted over three and a half years. Drone strikes also damaged several nearby high-rise buildings, according to emergency services.

Russia attacked with 810 drones and decoys, Ukraine’s air force said, adding it shot down 747 drones and four missiles.

Zelenskyy confirmed that four people were killed and 44 others wounded. He spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron, saying: “Together with France, we are preparing new measures to strengthen our defence.”

Macron condemned the strike, accusing Russia of “striking indiscriminately” and warned that Moscow was “locking itself ever deeper into the logic of war and terror.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also denounced the attack, describing it as a “cowardly strike” and asserting that Russian President Vladimir Putin “is not serious about peace.” Residents in Kyiv voiced frustration at the ongoing attacks.

“This is already routine for us, unfortunately,” said Olga, a resident of a damaged building. “The Shahed drones come first, then the rockets follow.” Emergency crews were seen dropping water from helicopters onto the burning government building as they worked to control the blaze.

European condemnation  

Russia, which denies targeting civilians in Ukraine, said it had struck a plant and a logistics hub in Kyiv.

Its defence ministry said “no strikes were carried out on other targets within the boundaries of Kyiv”, explicitly denying responsibility for the government building strike.

Police cordoned off the area surrounding the building, the roof and upper floors of which sustained damage.

“We will restore the buildings. But we cannot bring back lost lives. The enemy terrorises and kills our people every day throughout the country,” Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said.

She later posted a video from inside the damaged floor showing shattered offices and burned walls.

Russia fired at least 810 drones and 13 missiles at Ukraine between late Saturday and early Sunday, in a new record, according to the Ukrainian air force.

“Such killings now, when real diplomacy could have already begun long ago, are a deliberate crime and a prolongation of the war,” Zelenskyy said.

He discussed the attack in a call with French President Emmanuel Macron and said that France would help Ukraine strengthen its defence.

Macron, on X, condemned the attack and said Russia “is locking itself ever deeper into the logic of war and terror”. France stood by Ukraine, he said.

With inputs from agencies