A powerful overnight Russian assault on Kyiv has left parts of the Ukrainian capital damaged, residents shaken, and renewed doubts over Moscow’s willingness to end the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the scale and timing of the attack clearly showed that Russia was not serious about peace, coming just as preparations were underway for another round of negotiations.
The barrage, which lasted around 10 hours, involved waves of missiles and drones targeting both civilian areas and energy infrastructure. At least two people were killed and dozens injured, while explosions echoed across the city through the night and into the morning.
Authorities said the strikes damaged power and heating systems, leaving roughly 40 percent of homes in Kyiv and nearby districts without heat. Several apartment buildings were hit, with fires breaking out and residents forced to flee. Emergency services evacuated dozens of elderly residents from a retirement home after it was struck.
Images from the city showed homes ripped open by explosions, burned-out vehicles, and firefighters battling blazes in residential neighbourhoods.
Zelensky said hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles were launched during the attack, accusing Russia of deliberately targeting civilian and energy infrastructure. He described the bombardment as Moscow’s real response to peace talks.
“Missiles and drones are speaking louder than any diplomatic statements,” he said, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin had no intention of ending the war.
He urged Ukraine’s allies to respond with stronger and more decisive action, saying the United States, Europe, and other partners had the power to stop Russia’s aggression if they chose to act firmly.
Russia, meanwhile, claimed the strikes were aimed at facilities supporting Ukraine’s military and defence industries. It also said its air defences intercepted nearly 200 Ukrainian drones over several regions, including areas near Moscow.
The intensity of the attack prompted neighbouring Poland to place its air force and air defence systems on high alert. Officials later confirmed that Polish airspace had not been violated.
The bombardment came as Zelensky prepared to meet US President Donald Trump to discuss a new 20-point peace proposal developed by Ukrainian and American officials. Zelensky described the draft as a potential foundation for ending the war, though key issues such as security guarantees and territorial control remain highly contentious.
Speaking during a brief meeting with Canada’s prime minister, Zelensky said the attack on Kyiv was proof that Russia was responding to peace efforts with violence. Canada pledged further economic support for Ukraine but acknowledged that lasting peace would require genuine willingness from Moscow.
In Russia, President Vladimir Putin visited a military command centre overseeing the war effort, warning that if Ukraine refused a peaceful settlement, Russia would pursue its objectives through military means.
Despite the destruction, Zelensky said he hoped for a constructive discussion with Trump, stressing that Ukraine needed firm security guarantees to prevent future invasions.
As Kyiv begins clearing debris and restoring services, the latest attack has once again highlighted the fragile state of diplomacy — and the heavy cost civilians continue to pay as the war drags on.