In one of the most intense and tragic escalations since the beginning of the war, Russia launched a massive aerial assault on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, and the southern city of Odesa. The overnight barrage, which officials described as one of the largest in over three years of war, claimed at least three lives and left many more injured, including women and children.
In Kyiv, the skies lit up with explosions as drones and missiles rained down. According to Ukrainian authorities, seven out of the capital’s ten districts were hit. Firefighting helicopters were deployed to contain the flames. One person was killed and at least four others were hospitalized.
President Volodymyr Zelensky called it “one of the largest attacks on Kyiv,” emphasizing that the latest round of Russian aggression undermines international efforts to broker peace. The assault follows Ukraine’s recent drone strikes on Russian territory, which Moscow claims prompted their retaliation.
Perhaps the most heartbreaking incident occurred in Odesa, where a maternity hospital was directly hit. Regional governor Oleh Kiper confirmed that two men were killed, but hospital staff managed to evacuate all patients and medical personnel before the worst of the blasts occurred.
Iryna Britkaru, a 23-year-old new mother who had just given birth days earlier, recounted being rushed to the basement with her baby moments before shrapnel tore through the corridors. “It was terrifying. The third explosion was so loud that we could feel the shockwave,” she said.
The attack also damaged Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds deep cultural and historical significance for Ukrainians. Culture Minister Mykola Tochytskyi described the strike as a blow to “the very heart of our identity.”
In all, Russia reportedly launched 315 drones during the assault, 277 of which were intercepted by Ukraine’s air defense. Seven missiles were also brought down. Ukraine’s Air Force said this was part of a broader wave of attacks that, in just one week, has seen 1,451 drones and 78 missiles deployed by Russia.
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed it targeted military installations using “high-precision” weapons, yet civilian areas bore the brunt. The scale and precision of the attack have prompted Ukrainian officials to once again urge Western allies for more air defense systems and stricter sanctions on Moscow.
Despite limited progress in recent peace talks—mainly around prisoner exchanges—the fighting intensifies. Both Russia and Ukraine continue to blame each other for the stalled negotiations, as the war, now well into its third year, shows no signs of ending.
As civilians like Iryna and Natalia—both new mothers—cling to hope amid destruction, one thing is clear: the human cost of this conflict continues to mount, day by day.
