What happened in Kyiv on Sunday
Kyiv woke to an unprecedented barrage as Russia renewed its missile and drone campaign against Ukraine’s capital. In the early hours, air-raid sirens wailed as hundreds of aerial weapons pounded critical infrastructure and residential districts. The assault crossed multiple neighborhoods, with debris, shattered windows, and smoke curling from several sites across the city. Emergency services said rescue teams and hospital staff worked through the night to reach the wounded and assess building safety. Power and water supplies were reported disrupted in portions of the capital, complicating relief efforts as people sought shelter and care.
Casualties and the human toll
By Sunday afternoon, Ukrainian officials confirmed four fatalities. Among the dead was a 12-year-old girl, a reminder of the noncombatant cost of the conflict that has enveloped the capital in weeks of intensified fighting. Dozens more were injured, with victims suffering from blast injuries, shrapnel wounds, and burns. Families searched through rubble for missing relatives, while neighbors opened their homes to strangers who had lost power or heating. Hospitals mobilized additional beds for surge casualties, and clinicians warned that some injuries could take weeks to stabilize.
Official response and international reaction
Ukrainian authorities condemned the attack as a brutal attempt to terrorize civilians and disrupt daily life. They urged residents to adhere to shelter protocols, stay away from façades and windows, and rely on official advisories for information about safe routes and cooling or heating needs. Across Europe and North America, allied governments voiced condemnation of Russia’s assault and reaffirmed support for Kyiv, including commitments to bolster air defense and humanitarian aid as Ukrainian forces work to restore services in affected areas.
Context and what comes next
The Sunday strike marks another chapter in a long-running campaign by Moscow to degrade Ukraine’s civilian life through missile and drone warfare. Analysts warn that such attacks can intensify as winter approaches and both sides press for strategic advantages. Ukrainian authorities say resilience remains intact in Kyiv, with communities rallying to protect the most vulnerable and to keep essential services functioning. The international community continues to monitor the situation and pressing for de-escalation, while underscoring that civilians should not bear the brunt of hostilities.
Staying safe amid attacks
If you are in an area under fire, seek shelter in a designated safe space or below-ground level, keep radios or smartphones tuned to official channels, and prepare emergency kits with water, snacks, and essential medications. After a blast, check for structural hazards, avoid downed power lines, and assist neighbors who may require help evacuating or medical attention.
