Russia’s Massive Kyiv Attack Leaves Over 10 Dead

Russia unleashed its most devastating attack on Kyiv in nine months, killing at least 12 people and injuring 90 others in an 11-hour barrage that has drawn rare criticism from President Trump toward the Kremlin.

Key Takeaways

Russia launched 66 missiles and 145 drones in an 11-hour assault on Kyiv, hitting five neighborhoods
The attack killed 12 civilians and injured approximately 90 others, including children
President Donald Trump criticized the attacks and urged Putin to return to peace negotiations
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy cut short his South African trip to manage the crisis
The attack is the most severe strike on Kyiv since July 2024, escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict

Unprecedented Barrage Devastates Ukrainian Capital

Russian forces initiated their assault on Kyiv at approximately 1:00 a.m. on April 24, 2025, launching what Ukrainian officials describe as the most severe attack on the capital since July 2024. The onslaught continued for 11 hours, with Russian forces deploying a combination of 66 missiles and 145 drones targeting civilian infrastructure. At least five neighborhoods experienced direct strikes, with the Sviatoshynkskyi, Shevchenkivsky, and Holosiivskyi districts suffering residential fires that required immediate emergency response.

Ukraine’s State Emergency Service reported that the death toll has risen to 12 civilians, with approximately 90 injured. Among the wounded, at least 42 required hospitalization, including children. Rescue operations continued throughout the day as emergency personnel searched through damaged buildings for survivors. The attack has caused significant destruction to residential areas, leaving many Kyiv residents homeless or displaced as authorities work to restore essential services.

Just hours after Donald Trump claimed a peace deal was within reach, Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kiev. Randolph Nogel has more pic.twitter.com/Lnv2IWvr2Z

— TRT World Now (@TRTWorldNow) April 24, 2025

Trump Condemns Russian Aggression

In a significant shift from previous positions, President Donald Trump issued a statement condemning the Russian attack on Kyiv. The President urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease hostilities and return to peace negotiations, marking a notable change in the administration’s approach to the conflict. This diplomatic intervention comes amid complicated relations between the U.S. and Ukraine, with previous tensions reported between President Trump and President Zelenskyy over approaches to ending the war.

The White House statement emphasized America’s commitment to civilian protection while acknowledging the ongoing challenges in reaching a peace agreement. Earlier conflicts between the two leaders stemmed from disagreements over territorial concessions, with Trump reportedly suggesting that Zelenskyy’s refusal to cede Crimea to Russia had prolonged the conflict. The Ukrainian leader has consistently maintained that recognizing occupied territory as Russian remains unacceptable for his nation.

Ukrainian Leadership Responds to Crisis

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy immediately cut short his diplomatic visit to South Africa upon receiving news of the attack. He returned to Kyiv to personally oversee crisis response efforts and coordinate with military and emergency services. The president addressed the nation upon his arrival, vowing continued resistance against Russian aggression while calling for increased international support, particularly for air defense systems capable of intercepting such massive missile and drone attacks.

The Kyiv City Military Administration confirmed that their air defense systems had engaged at least 45 detected drones during the attack, but the unprecedented scale of the assault overwhelmed defensive capabilities. Ukrainian Defense Ministry officials stated that the attack appeared deliberately timed during a period when President Zelenskyy was abroad, potentially aiming to maximize political and psychological impact. The ministry has requested urgent consultations with NATO allies on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense network.

Peace Negotiations at Critical Juncture

The massive attack has come at a particularly sensitive time in the diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. Peace negotiations had stalled in recent weeks, with both sides accusing each other of unwillingness to compromise. International mediators had been working to arrange a new round of talks scheduled for next month, but the escalation raises questions about Russia’s commitment to a diplomatic solution. Several European leaders have condemned the attack and called for increased sanctions against Russia.

Military analysts suggest the scale and timing of the assault indicate Russian attempts to strengthen their negotiating position through demonstration of force. The civilian targeting pattern has drawn particular international condemnation, with humanitarian organizations highlighting potential violations of international humanitarian law. As rescue operations continue in Kyiv, the international community awaits Russia’s response to growing pressure for de-escalation and meaningful engagement in peace efforts.