KYIV – At least 21 people were killed on Thursday when Russia launched one of its deadliest missile and drone strikes on the Ukrainian capital since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
US President Donald Trump said he was “not surprised” by the assault, though “not happy,” according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. She added that “perhaps both sides are not ready to end it themselves,” despite Trump’s push for negotiations after his recent meetings with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky.
Zelensky called the attack “Moscow’s answer” to diplomatic peace efforts. He confirmed that residential areas, a Turkish enterprise, and the Azerbaijan embassy were hit. The EU and UK summoned Russian envoys in protest, while EU chief Ursula von der Leyen vowed further sanctions, calling the attack “a grim reminder” of Russia’s aggression.
Ukraine’s air force said it intercepted most of the nearly 600 drones and 31 missiles fired across the country, but critical infrastructure was still damaged, leaving parts of Kyiv without power.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the strike that damaged the British Council building, while Russia insisted it targeted only military facilities.
The latest assault underscores the widening scope of the conflict, even as diplomatic efforts struggle to gain traction.
