Russia Escalates Attacks on Kyiv, Killing at Least Two
Russia launched a major drone and missile attack on Kyiv, killing at least two people, including a one-year-old child, and injuring eleven others. A plume of smoke was seen rising from the roof of the cabinet of ministers building in the city center, raising concerns of an escalation as Russia has previously avoided targeting key government infrastructure directly. The attack, the second in two weeks, struck residential buildings and comes amid diminishing prospects for peace negotiations between the two nations.
Unpacked:
Russia has previously avoided directly striking key government infrastructure in Kyiv, so hitting the cabinet of ministers building represents an escalation and could signal a shift toward more aggressive tactics against Ukrainian leadership and state institutions.
This was Russia's largest drone and missile attack on Ukraine to date, involving 810 drones and 13 missiles, surpassing previous barrages and resulting in significant casualties and damage across multiple regions, including Kyiv's government district.
The attack killed at least two people in Kyiv, including a young child, and injured at least 15. Residential buildings and civilian infrastructure were damaged, with similar casualties and destruction reported in other regions, leading to ongoing trauma and displacement for civilians.
Prospects for peace negotiations are diminishing, with both sides hardening positions. Recent escalations and high-casualty attacks have further eroded trust and willingness to engage in talks, making a diplomatic resolution increasingly unlikely in the near term.