Russian Missile Strikes Kill 12 in Kyiv, Leave Parts of City Without Power

Russian ballistic missiles struck Kyiv early Thursday, killing 12 people and injuring more than 30, according to Ukrainian authorities. The strikes damaged buildings and cut power to parts of the capital. In the city’s Solomianskyi district, a fire destroyed the upper floors of a nine-story residential building, killing seven people. Mayor Vitali Klitschko called for Friday to be observed as a day of mourning.

Multiple Districts Hit, Power Restored to Many Homes

Klitschko said two additional districts sustained damage, with non-residential buildings, warehouses, a school, and a children’s hospital among the sites affected. Power company DTEK reported restoring electricity to more than half of the roughly 90,000 homes left without power following the attack.

Part of Escalating Air Campaign

Russia has intensified aerial attacks on Ukraine in recent months, seeking to take advantage of the country’s limited supply of interceptor missiles used to shoot down incoming ballistic threats. Russia’s defense ministry said the strikes targeted facilities linked to drone production, a military depot, and a logistics hub. A witness reported hearing more than a dozen explosions during the attack, and one additional death was reported in the surrounding region.

Ukraine Continues Counterattacks on Russian Infrastructure

Ukraine has also stepped up strikes on Russian oil facilities and logistics networks in an effort to disrupt Moscow’s war capabilities. The conflict, now well into its fifth year since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, continues without a lasting ceasefire despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Romania’s defense ministry confirmed a drone crashed into its territory during the overnight attack, while Moldova’s military reported a separate drone briefly entered its airspace.

Peace Talks Remain Stalled

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine has submitted proposals to US negotiators aimed at ending the war and has repeatedly requested additional interceptor missiles. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow has not received specific new proposals for further talks with US negotiators but indicated Russia remains open to arranging a meeting on short notice.