Death toll rises to 21 after Russia launches one of “most horrific” attacks on Kiev

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian authorities confirmed on Wednesday that the death toll from a massive Russian assault on Kiev the previous day has risen to 21, with at least 134 more injured in what President Volodymyr Zelensky described as “one of the most horrific attacks” on the capital since the war began over three years ago.

Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said on Telegram that 16 of the bodies were recovered from the rubble of a nine-story residential building in the Solomyansky district, which was among the hardest hit during the barrage.

“Twenty-one people died in the capital and 134 were injured,” the emergency service said, updating the previous toll of 14 reported by Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

According to Zelensky, Russia fired 440 drones and 32 missiles nationwide during the overnight assault, with at least 27 targets struck in the capital alone.

“Our families had a very difficult night. One of the biggest attacks from the very beginning of the war,” Zelensky said at the G7 summit in Canada. “We need support from our allies. We cannot allow the world to turn a blind eye.”

AFP journalists reported seeing thick plumes of smoke over Kyiv at dawn as emergency crews searched for survivors among the wreckage of destroyed homes. The devastation prompted many residents to take refuge in underground metro stations, some sleeping on mats as drones continued buzzing overhead.

“It was probably the most hellish night in my memory for our neighbourhood,” said 20-year-old student Alina Shtompel. “It is indescribably painful that our people are going through this right now.”

International Condemnation

Western leaders condemned the latest escalation, accusing Moscow of deliberately targeting civilians.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Russian President Vladimir Putin was “exploiting the international context” to intensify attacks. “It shows the complete cynicism of President Putin,” Macron told reporters at the G7.

Germany also pledged to “increase the pressure” on Moscow, calling Russia’s diplomatic gestures a mere “facade.”

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed the strikes targeted “military-industrial facilities,” repeating standard language used after major attacks.

U.S. Citizen Among the Dead

Among the victims was a 62-year-old American citizen, who was killed in the Solomyansky district. The U.S. State Department confirmed the death, with spokesperson Tammy Bruce extending condolences and condemning the strikes.

Shelling later on Tuesday in the frontline regions of Sumy and Kherson killed at least two more civilians, Ukrainian officials said.

Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, accused Moscow of continuing its war against civilians, despite diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict.

Ceasefire Talks Stall

The latest assault comes as efforts by the United States to negotiate a ceasefire have stalled. Russia has dismissed Ukraine’s call for an unconditional truce, while Kyiv has rejected what it described as Russian “ultimatums.”

Meanwhile, Ukraine has continued its own drone strikes across Russia’s border regions. On Tuesday, local governors reported that four people were killed in Ukraine-launched drone attacks in the Russian regions of Belgorod and Kursk.

Despite mounting casualties, Moscow’s forces have made steady advances along the sprawling front lines.

More than three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed, while entire cities have been reduced to rubble and millions displaced.