KYIV: In a significant escalation of hostilities, a massive Russian drone and missile assault on Ukraine’s capital has killed at least 12 people, including three children, and wounded dozens more.

The overnight attack on Kyiv marks the first major aerial bombardment of the city since U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met to discuss a potential end to the conflict.

Multiple explosions illuminated the predawn sky as Russian projectiles struck residential buildings and civilian infrastructure across several districts.

The devastation was widespread, with officials confirming a five-story apartment block was directly hit and nearly 100 buildings sustained damage.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the assault as a clear message from Moscow.

In a statement, he criticized global powers for advocating for peace while remaining silent in the face of escalating aggression, asserting that Russia chooses “ballistics over the negotiating table.” He called for renewed international pressure and stringent new sanctions against Moscow.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defense reported that its air defenses intercepted over 100 Ukrainian drones that targeted at least seven regions of the country overnight.

The attacks included strikes on two key Russian oil refineries, underscoring the reciprocal nature of the aerial campaign.