Russia Launches Deadliest Attack on Kyiv in Almost a Year

People in black holding white roses in a line.

Russia unleashed a devastating barrage on Kyiv, causing at least 12 deaths and 90 injuries in the most lethal attack on Ukraine’s capital in nearly a year, while President Trump made a rare public call for Vladimir Putin to cease hostilities.

Key Takeaways

Russia launched an 11-hour assault on Kyiv involving 66 missiles and 145 drones, striking five neighborhoods and killing at least 12 civilians
The attack began around 1:00 a.m. and caused widespread fires in residential buildings across multiple districts
President Donald Trump issued a rare public condemnation of the assault, urging Russian President Putin to seek peaceful solutions
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy cut short his South African visit to return home amid the escalating conflict
At least 42 people have been hospitalized as rescue efforts continue throughout the capital

Devastating Night Attack Leaves Kyiv in Flames

Ukrainian authorities confirmed that Russia executed a massive overnight missile and drone attack on Kyiv on April 24, 2025, resulting in at least 12 civilian deaths and approximately 90 injuries, including children. The Kyiv City Military Administration reported the deployment of both drones and ballistic missiles in the assault, with air defense systems detecting at least 45 drones and 66 missiles during the 11-hour barrage. The attack, which began around 1:00 a.m., targeted at least five residential neighborhoods across the Ukrainian capital, marking the deadliest strike on Kyiv in almost a year.

Emergency services rushed to multiple locations as fires erupted in residential buildings throughout the Sviatoshynkskyi, Shevchenkivsky, and Holosiivskyi districts. Ukraine’s State Emergency Service confirmed that at least 42 civilians required hospitalization, with rescue teams continuing their efforts to locate survivors amid the rubble. The scale and intensity of the attack have overwhelmed first responders, who have been working continuously since the early morning hours to extinguish fires and provide medical assistance to the wounded.

Just hours after Donald Trump claimed a peace deal was within reach, Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kiev. Randolph Nogel has more pic.twitter.com/Lnv2IWvr2Z

— TRT World Now (@TRTWorldNow) April 24, 2025

Trump Condemns Russian Aggression

In a significant diplomatic development, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a rare public condemnation of the Russian attack, directly calling on Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease hostilities and pursue peaceful resolutions. This represents a notable shift in the President’s public stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. President Trump has previously criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for refusing to cede Crimea to Russia, suggesting that such intransigence has prolonged the conflict unnecessarily. Despite these past criticisms, Trump’s direct appeal to Putin marks an important moment in U.S. diplomatic engagement with the ongoing war.

The timing of Trump’s statement coincides with increasing tensions between Washington and Kyiv over peace negotiation strategies. However, the brutality of the latest Russian assault appears to have prompted a more forceful American response. Ukrainian officials have welcomed Trump’s comments while maintaining their position that surrendering occupied territories to Russia remains unacceptable. President Zelenskyy has consistently argued that recognizing Russian claims to Ukrainian soil would only encourage further aggression and undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Zelenskyy Rushes Home as Peace Talks Falter

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy abruptly cut short his diplomatic visit to South Africa upon receiving news of the devastating attack on his nation’s capital. The Ukrainian leader had been seeking to strengthen international support for his country’s defense efforts when the Russian assault began. Zelenskyy’s immediate return underscores the severity of the situation and the urgent need for leadership during this critical moment. The attack has further complicated already stalled peace negotiations between the warring nations.

The massive strike follows weeks of increasing hostilities along the frontlines and comes at a time when diplomatic efforts have shown little progress. Ukraine’s refusal to recognize Russian control over occupied territories, including Crimea, remains a major sticking point in negotiations. The assault also coincides with planned talks between Ukrainian officials and Western allies scheduled for tomorrow in London, where military aid and diplomatic support will be top agenda items. As rescue operations continue in Kyiv, international pressure is mounting for an immediate ceasefire.