Russia’s Missile and Drone Strikes on Kyiv Kill 16, Injure Over 100 Amid Escalating War

Russia launched a massive overnight assault on Kyiv early Thursday, firing over 300 drones and eight missiles that left 16 dead, including two children, and wounded more than 100, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack, one of the deadliest in months, caused widespread destruction to schools, hospitals, and residential buildings across 27 locations in the capital. Authorities declared a day of mourning on Friday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed rescue operations were ongoing and described the strikes as an attempt to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defenses. Ukraine’s national rescue service reported 16 children were among the injured, the highest child casualty count in a single attack since Russia’s full-scale invasion began over three years ago. A five-month-old baby was among those hospitalized.

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed it targeted Ukrainian military airfields, ammunition depots, and defense-related businesses, denying civilian casualties. However, eyewitnesses described intense explosions lighting up the night sky and families trapped under debris. One man was rescued alive after being trapped for three hours, officials said.

The strikes come amid renewed diplomatic tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump condemned Russia’s “disgusting” actions, warning of potential sanctions and tariffs if Moscow fails to reach a peace deal by August 8. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to travel to Russia after meetings in Israel to push for negotiations.

Kyiv and Moscow have held limited talks this year, achieving prisoner exchanges but no breakthrough toward ending the war. Thousands of civilians have died since Russia’s invasion in 2022, and recent intensified attacks signal a protracted conflict despite international calls for peace.