Devastating Drone Attack in Kyiv Claims Lives of 10, Including Young Girl

On Monday, Russia launched a barrage of drones and missiles at Ukraine, severely damaging a residential block in Kyiv, resulting in the deaths of 10 civilians and trapping others under debris.

Diplomatic initiatives to resolve the ongoing three-year conflict have come to a standstill. The last direct discussions between Kyiv and Moscow took place nearly three weeks ago, with no subsequent meetings planned.

Journalists from AFP reported hearing drones overhead and the sounds of explosions resonating throughout the capital during the attack.

Kyiv local Natalia Marshavska, who was awake during the assault, recounted how the drone’s hum intensified until it was directly overhead. “I realized it was right above us. Then there was an explosion— all of this happened in seconds,” she shared with AFP. The explosion hurled her across the room, shattered her apartment windows, and enveloped her in smoke. “It was horrifying,” she said.

The Russian military stated it employed precision-guided munitions and drones to target Ukrainian military sites, claiming that «all designated targets were successfully hit.»

Kyiv prosecutors reported that nine individuals lost their lives in the Shevchenkivsky district of the capital, including an 11-year-old girl. Another casualty was confirmed in Bila Tserkva, a city located south of Kyiv.

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Russia had unleashed 352 drones — some designed in Iran — along with 16 missiles on Ukraine, noting that some of these weapons were supplied by North Korea. “Neighboring countries of Russia, Iran, and North Korea should reflect on whether they can safeguard lives if this coalition of murderers continues to spread terror,» he remarked.

Zelensky made a surprise visit to the United Kingdom on Monday, one of Kyiv’s most committed allies, to discuss defense matters and sanctions against Russia. He met with King Charles III at Windsor Castle, and reports indicated he would also meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

This visit precedes a NATO summit scheduled for later this week in The Hague, where Zelensky plans to attend minimally to avoid potential conflict with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Since his return to office, Trump has shifted the West’s strategy concerning Russia’s war in Ukraine, undermining support for Kyiv and fostering closer ties with Moscow.

These recent attacks occurred less than a week after a strike on Kyiv that resulted in the deaths of at least 28 people. Additionally, separate Russian assaults in the southern Odesa region on the same day led to two fatalities and numerous injuries, according to local officials. Zelensky mentioned that a school had been targeted, lamenting that “unfortunately, some people may still be trapped under the rubble.”

In Moscow, the Defense Ministry reported that its air defense systems intercepted 23 Ukrainian drones over western Russian territories.

Russia currently occupies approximately 20% of Ukraine and claims to have annexed four Ukrainian regions following its invasion in 2022. It also seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. Kyiv has accused Moscow of intentionally undermining peace negotiations to extend its military offensive and expand its territorial gains.