At least eight people, including two children, have been killed in a heavy Russian bombardment of Kyiv overnight, Ukrainian officials confirmed on Thursday. President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack as one of the most destructive in recent months, with more than 20 districts across the capital targeted by missiles and drones.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said the victims included a 14-year-old girl, while Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported at least 38 people injured. Fires broke out in several residential areas, with a kindergarten among the damaged buildings. “The Kremlin has once again chosen ballistics instead of the negotiating table,” Zelensky said in a statement on X, calling for “new, tough sanctions” on Russia.
The strikes followed a wave of attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on Wednesday, which left over 100,000 homes without power. Kyiv’s military administration confirmed that at least five children were among those injured in the latest assault, underscoring the toll on civilians more than three and a half years into Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The escalation comes as international diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire gain momentum. Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump launched a new initiative, meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska and then hosting Zelensky alongside European leaders in Washington. Trump has urged a face-to-face summit between Putin and Zelensky, though Kyiv has demanded firm Western security guarantees before entering any peace agreement.
Zelensky also held talks this week with Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, head of the UK’s armed forces, to discuss military support and potential pathways to peace. Meanwhile, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed he would meet Ukrainian representatives in New York, stressing that “we talk to the Russians every day.”
Despite these moves, European leaders remain cautious. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned against any settlement involving territorial concessions, calling it a “trap” that could embolden future aggression.
For many Ukrainians, the fresh bombardment reinforces skepticism about Moscow’s willingness to negotiate in good faith. With civilian casualties mounting and infrastructure repeatedly targeted, Kyiv insists that only sustained Western backing can pressure Russia into serious talks.
