Russia has launched a major overnight assault on Ukraine, striking a government building in Kyiv for the first time since the war began.
Attack on Kyiv
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed that missiles hit the roof and upper floors of the government building in central Kyiv. The strike sparked a large fire that firefighters are still battling.
At least two people were killed, and more than a dozen others were injured, according to Ukrainian officials.
“This is the first time the building of the Ukrainian Government has sustained direct damage,” Svyrydenko said. “We will rebuild what has been destroyed. But the lives lost cannot be restored.”
Call for Sanctions and Weapons
Svyrydenko accused Moscow of waging daily terror against civilians. She urged Ukraine’s international partners to respond with stronger measures.
She called for:
- Tighter sanctions on Russia’s oil and gas sector
- New restrictions to cut funding for the Kremlin’s military
- More weapons to strengthen Ukraine’s defense
“The world must answer this terror with decisive action,” she added.
A Widespread Assault
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha revealed that Russia launched more than 800 drones and missiles overnight. Strikes hit several major cities, including Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Kremenchuk, and Zaporizhzhia.
“This is a serious escalation,” Sybiha said on X. “Only pressure on Moscow can stop this terror.”
Symbolic Escalation
The strike on Kyiv’s government seat is highly symbolic. It marks the first time since the full-scale war began that Russia has directly damaged the central government building.
The attack comes as President Vladimir Putin warned the West against sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine after a ceasefire.
With winter approaching, Kyiv continues to press its allies for more military aid and tougher sanctions to counter Russia’s escalating campaign.
