At least four people were killed in Kyiv overnight as Russia launched a fresh wave of ballistic missile and drone attacks across Ukraine.
The deadly strikes came shortly after President Vladimir Putin pledged retaliation for a bold Ukrainian drone assault on Russian military airbases.
The latest escalation adds to mounting violence, even as Ukraine and Russia continue talks to end the three-year war that began with Moscow’s invasion in February 2022.
So far, tens of thousands of people have been killed, entire towns in eastern Ukraine razed, and millions displaced, with Russia currently occupying about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.
Russian forces carried out extensive strikes across Ukraine overnight Friday, targeting the capital Kyiv as well as western regions like Lviv and Volyn, both of which border NATO and EU-member Poland.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the casualties on social media, stating that “at least four people were killed and 20 wounded in the capital.”
AFP journalists reported hearing air raid sirens and explosions throughout the night in Kyiv.
Ukraine’s State Emergency Service wrote on Telegram, “Kyiv came under another attack involving UAVs and ballistic missiles. Rescuers are responding to the aftermath at several locations across the city.”
Images from the scene showed a devastated residential high-rise with a crater blown into its side, shattered windows, and debris covering nearby vehicles.
A photo shared by the head of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office depicted a children’s playground littered with rubble and glass.
The strikes followed a warning earlier this week from President Putin to U.S President Donald Trump, vowing a response to a sophisticated Ukrainian drone operation that targeted nuclear-capable aircraft deep inside Russian territory, including bases in Siberia.
The long-planned attack involved smuggling over 100 small drones into Russia, hidden within the roofs of wooden cabins.
Once in position near key airbases, the drones were launched in a coordinated strike.
In response, the Kremlin declared Thursday that it would determine “how and when” to retaliate.
While Russian authorities did not issue formal statements regarding Friday’s strikes, the timing strongly suggested a connection to Putin’s earlier threat.
Despite ongoing negotiations, Moscow has refused calls for a ceasefire.
Russian negotiators continue to demand that Ukraine withdraw its forces from four disputed regions, halt all cooperation with NATO, and permanently reject Western military presence on its soil.
Among those killed in Kyiv were three first responders. Ukraine’s Interior Minister Igor Klymenko paid tribute, writing on social media: “They worked under fire to help people. Another nine rescuers were wounded. Some of them are seriously injured, and doctors are fighting for their lives.”
Fires broke out in several Kyiv districts, while the national railway operator reported delays due to damaged train tracks in the surrounding region.
Elsewhere, western cities including Lutsk and the Ternopil region were also struck.
Ternopil regional head Vyacheslav Negoda said, “Today, the enemy carried out the most massive air attack on our region to date. There are multiple strikes.”
Officials reported a total of 32 people wounded across four regions, including 15 in Lutsk.
Meanwhile, in Russia, Ukrainian drone strikes reportedly wounded three people in the western Tula region.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated that 10 of the 174 drones launched by Ukraine overnight were headed for the Russian capital.
The Russian defense ministry claimed to have downed all 174 drones.
