A wave of Russian attacks has struck Kyiv overnight, leaving at least five people dead and 21 injured after ballistic missiles hit multiple residential areas.
According to Ukrainian authorities, several apartment buildings were damaged in the strikes, as Russia intensified its assault on civilian areas. The attacks mark one of the most serious escalations in recent weeks.
Multiple Cities Targeted
The bombardment was not limited to Kyiv. Russian drone and missile attacks also hit Kharkiv, Odesa, and Dnipro.
In Odesa, at least six people were killed following a separate wave of strikes involving both drones and missiles. Meanwhile, in Dnipro, two people lost their lives, and 27 others were injured after explosions rocked the city overnight.
Kharkiv was also targeted early Thursday, with reports of additional casualties following drone strikes, according to Ukrainian media.
NATO Calls for Increased Support
Amid the escalating violence, Mark Rutte urged NATO members to step up military assistance for Ukraine.
Speaking at a defence meeting in Berlin, Rutte emphasised the need for sustained support, including air defence systems, drones, missiles, and long-range artillery ammunition.
“Ukraine must have what it needs to continue the fight,” he stated, adding that Ukrainian forces continue to resist and inflict significant losses on Russian troops.
Peace Talks Remain Stalled
Efforts to negotiate an end to the war remain deadlocked. Talks pushed by Donald Trump have failed to produce a breakthrough, largely due to territorial disputes.
Vladimir Putin continues to demand that Ukraine cede control of the Donbas region, while Volodymyr Zelensky has categorically rejected any territorial concessions.
Global Focus Shifts
The conflict in Ukraine is increasingly overshadowed by rising tensions in the Middle East, where a separate war involving the United States and Iran has drawn global attention.
Despite this, the situation on the ground in Ukraine remains volatile, with ongoing attacks continuing to take a heavy toll on civilians.