A fierce aerial bombardment by Russian forces struck Ukraine’s capital in the early hours of Friday, just hours after Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump concluded a phone call aimed at reducing regional tensions.
Residents of Kyiv were roused shortly after midnight as air raid sirens echoed through the city and Mayor Vitaly Klitschko urged citizens to seek immediate shelter. Air defence units responded to successive waves of incoming drones and ballistic missiles, reportedly launched from multiple Russian positions.
Though official figures remain unverified, preliminary reports suggest at least 14 people were injured in the strikes, which continued until nearly 4 am. The mayor confirmed that non-residential and military sites across various districts were targeted in the operation.
One of the most significant impacts was reported at Zhuliany International Airport, where videos circulating on social media showed thick plumes of smoke rising after apparent missile hits. The airport was reportedly set ablaze, although authorities have not yet confirmed the extent of damage or operational status.
Ukrainian officials stated that at least 13 separate strikes were recorded across the capital. While Moscow has yet to issue a formal statement, Russian defence forces have previously claimed that their ongoing drone and missile campaigns are focused on military infrastructure, communications systems, and drone launch facilities.
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This latest escalation comes on the heels of Ukrainian drone operations that reportedly targeted Russian commanders and resulted in civilian casualties, intensifying the cycle of retaliatory attacks between the two sides.
Notably, the strikes occurred a mere two hours after a phone conversation between Putin and Trump. According to diplomatic sources, the call was intended to explore avenues to reduce hostilities and consider terms for potential negotiations.
While the Kremlin has not confirmed specific outcomes of the conversation, it did release a brief statement quoting Putin as saying, “Russia will not back down until the well-known root causes of the conflict are addressed,” reaffirming Moscow’s position that any ceasefire would be contingent on broader geopolitical assurances.
For Kyiv residents, however, the prospect of peace seemed remote amid the thud of explosions and rising smoke. Though Ukrainian forces managed to intercept several incoming drones, the volume and intensity of the barrage reflect a deepening aggression.
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