In the early hours of May 24, 2025, Kyiv endured one of the most intense Russian aerial assaults since the onset of the war. The attack involved approximately 250 drones and 14 ballistic missiles, resulting in widespread destruction and at least 15 injuries across multiple districts.
On May 24, 2025, Russia launched a massive airstrike on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, marking one of the largest assaults since the conflict began over three years ago. The attack commenced late on May 23 and continued into the early morning hours, involving approximately 250 drones and 14 ballistic missiles. Ukrainian air defences managed to intercept the majority of the incoming threats, but several projectiles breached the defences, causing significant damage and injuries.
The assault led to fires and destruction across various districts, including Solomianskyi and Obolonskyi. Emergency services responded swiftly, rescuing civilians from damaged residential buildings. At least 15 people were reported injured, with the full extent of casualties still being assessed.
This airstrike occurred shortly after a significant prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, involving the release of 1,000 prisoners from each side. The timing of the attack has raised concerns about the sincerity of ongoing peace negotiations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the assault, accusing Moscow of undermining peace efforts and calling for increased international sanctions.
International reactions have been swift. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had recently engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding peace negotiations, expressed his disapproval of the attack, urging an immediate cessation of hostilities.
The recent escalation underscores the fragile nature of the current ceasefire talks and the volatile situation on the ground. As Kyiv begins to recover from this latest assault, the international community watches closely, hoping for a de-escalation and a return to meaningful negotiations.
