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| Rescue workers attend the site of an overnight attack in Kyiv, Ukraine |
Emergency crews search rubble as Russian missile and drone barrage leaves dozens dead and many feared trapped in Kyiv
By Scn News Desk
Ukrainian rescue teams continued searching for survivors on Thursday after Russia unleashed one of the largest missile and drone attacks of the war, killing at least 25 people, injuring more than 90 others, and leaving several residents trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings in Kyiv.
The overnight assault involved 74 missiles and 496 drones, striking residential neighborhoods, medical facilities, hotels, and other civilian infrastructure across the Ukrainian capital. A nine-story apartment building suffered catastrophic damage, prompting an extensive rescue operation as firefighters, emergency crews, and volunteers searched for survivors amid unstable debris.
Among those responding were volunteer rescuers from the Ukrainian Red Cross, who rushed to multiple impact sites to provide first aid, evacuate survivors, and support emergency personnel. Many volunteers left their regular jobs to assist victims, reflecting the critical role civilian responders continue to play as the war grinds on.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the scale of the attack underscored the urgent need for additional air defense systems from Western allies, arguing that stronger protection could help prevent future civilian casualties. Russia said the strikes were carried out in response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian infrastructure, while Ukraine rejected that justification and accused Moscow of targeting civilian areas.
Kyiv declared a day of mourning as rescue operations continued, with officials warning the death toll could rise if more victims are found beneath the rubble. International leaders, including senior European and UN officials, condemned the attacks and renewed calls for greater support for Ukraine.