Despite ongoing efforts to halt the conflict, Russia launched its largest aerial attack on Ukraine since the war began, striking Kyiv on Sunday with drones and missiles. The assault killed at least two people, injured 17, and left smoke rising from the roof of the cabinet of ministers building, marking the first time a key government office was damaged.Ukraine’s Air Force said it managed to shoot down 747 drones and 4 missiles, but 9 missiles and 56 drones still hit 37 locations across the country.
Kyiv govt building damaged
Associated Press reporters observed a plume of smoke from the roof of Kyiv’s cabinet building. Police blocked access as emergency services rushed to the scene. “For the first time, the government building was damaged by an enemy attack, including the roof and upper floors,” said Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. “We will restore the buildings, but lost lives cannot be returned.”
Civilian casualties
Two people, a mother and her 3-month-old child, were killed when debris collapsed their home. At least 17 others were injured, while residential buildings in Kyiv’s Sviatoshynskyi and Darnytskyi districts suffered direct hits.
Ukraine strikes back
Ukraine also targeted Russia’s Druzhba oil pipeline in retaliation. Officials in Kyiv said the strikes were aimed at hitting Moscow’s energy assets.
Calls for tougher global action
Svyrydenko urged the international community to strengthen sanctions, especially against Russian oil and gas.She said, “The world must respond to this destruction not only with words, but with actions.”President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also pressed for harsher measures, saying he is willing to meet President Vladimir Putin to discuss peace.
Peace talks lose momentum
The attack is the second mass Russian drone and missile strike on Kyiv in just two weeks, further dimming hopes for peace talks. Days earlier, US President Donald Trump had invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to Alaska for discussions, followed by a White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. No breakthrough was reached.