Ukraine hit by second day of large-scale Russian missile and drone strikes
The Guardian • • world
Key Points:
- Russian forces launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine for a second consecutive day, heavily targeting Kyiv and causing at least three deaths and 40 injuries in the capital.
- The assault began early Thursday with 56 missiles and nearly 700 drones fired, resulting in significant damage including the collapse of a large apartment block in Kyiv’s Darnytskyi district.
- Wednesday’s raids killed at least 14 people, injured over 80, and targeted critical infrastructure such as railway sites, with evidence of "double-tap" strikes aimed at first responders.
- Ukrainian officials warned that Russia’s strategy appears to be overwhelming Ukraine’s air defenses through the sheer scale and intensity of attacks, aiming to inflict maximum damage and disrupt political developments.
- The attacks contradict recent optimistic statements by US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin about the war nearing its end, as Ukraine continues to strengthen its defense capabilities.