Russian forces unleashed their largest assault on Kyiv early Thursday, striking the Ukrainian capital with a sustained barrage of missiles and drones that caused extensive damage to residential buildings and resulted in at least 21 fatalities, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The attack, described by Klitschko as the most significant on the city since the conflict began, continued for several hours, with explosions echoing throughout the night.

Emergency responders searched through the rubble of apartment complexes damaged in the strikes, while residents sought shelter in underground stations and basements. The Kyiv metro reported that approximately 52,000 people, including 4,500 children, took refuge in stations — the highest number in recent years. Several witnesses recounted the destruction and the difficulties of seeking safety amid the bombardment. Sabina Mambetova, 32, said the attack left half of her apartment building in the eastern Darnytskyi district destroyed and forced her and her child out of their home.

In Moscow, the Kremlin reaffirmed its intent to intensify pressure on Kyiv, maintaining a stance of no compromise amid ongoing hostilities. The European Union’s top diplomat responded by proposing additional sanctions against Russia, signaling increased international condemnation of the assault. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the United States to grant licenses for manufacturing Patriot missile systems to enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. He emphasized that securing more air defense resources remains a critical priority for the country.

Residents described the hardship of enduring the nighttime attack. Doctor Kateryna Kucheryava shared how she carried her child into the metro, highlighting the difficulty for young children to adapt to the sudden disruption and noise. The bombardment left thick smoke over Kyiv’s skyline as locals assessed the damage the following morning, with many grappling with the loss of homes and lives.

The strikes represent part of the broader conflict that has unfolded over more than four years, during which Russia has repeatedly targeted urban centers in Ukraine. This conflict remains the deadliest in Europe since World War II, with both sides sustaining heavy casualties and widespread destruction. The latest assault on Kyiv underscores the ongoing volatility and the urgent need for heightened defense support as the war continues.