Zelensky vows response after Russian Kyiv strike kills 24
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed a response after a Russian attack on Kyiv described by the air force as part of the largest aerial assault since the war began. Al Jazeera reports at least 24 people were killed in Thursday's strike. Energy infrastructure was damaged across several districts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said there would be a response after Thursday night's Russian attack on the capital Kyiv. The Ukrainian air force said the operation was part of the largest aerial assault since the war began. Al Jazeera reports that at least 24 people were killed, with the wounded count running into double digits as rescue work continued through Friday.
Initial assessments indicate that the energy grid was significantly damaged in central and eastern districts of the capital, with water supply suspended in some areas. Air defence units said they had downed multiple missiles and drones. Poland's air force also issued an alert as objects approached NATO's eastern boundary, prompting brief scrambles.
Moscow said the strike was aimed at military targets, but Ukraine and international agencies say civilian casualties are evident. The European Union said new sanctions packages would be discussed in the coming days. Ukraine's military reports that Russian ground advances on the eastern front have slowed in recent weeks, even as the air campaign has intensified across multiple regions.
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