Casualties and Damage from Overnight Strikes
Two individuals have died and 40 others were injured following a large-scale wave of Russian attacks on Ukraine overnight, according to officials.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko described the night as "especially difficult for Kyiv," where rescue teams are actively searching through the debris of a residential building damaged by a combined missile and drone attack on the capital.
The overnight assault came after a significant attack on Wednesday, which was among the largest Russia has conducted since its full-scale invasion began in 2022, involving the launch of 892 drones.
This marks the third consecutive day Ukraine has reported fatalities amid Moscow intensifying its offensive after a three-day ceasefire ended on Monday.
Search and Rescue Efforts in Kyiv
Early Thursday, a search and rescue operation commenced to locate individuals trapped beneath the rubble of a nine-storey apartment block struck overnight.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klychko, who inspected the site, reported that 18 apartments were destroyed in the attack. He also noted that the city's water supply had been disrupted as a result.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that dozens of people had been rescued from the building so far.
Additional damage was inflicted on other residential buildings, a school, a veterinary clinic, and various infrastructure facilities, Zelensky added.
"This is definitely not the actions of those who believe the war is coming to an end," Zelensky said regarding Russia's extensive assault.
He urged Ukraine's allies to not remain silent about the strike.
Widespread Attacks Across Ukraine
The large-scale offensive involved Russian drones flying over much of Ukraine, with the regions of Kremenchuk, Bila Tserkva, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Odesa also targeted, Prime Minister Svyrydenko stated.
"Ukraine needs help in strengthening its air defense," she wrote on social media. "This is the only way to save our people and our cities."
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin for the "barbaric attack," asserting that Moscow is pursuing "aggression and terror" rather than peace.
He highlighted that the attack occurred during a critical summit between US President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping, urging both leaders to pressure Russia.
"I am certain that the leaders of the United States and China have enough leverage over Moscow to tell Putin to finally end the war," Sybiha said.
Context of Ceasefire and Recent Casualties
The recent attacks followed the expiration of a three-day, US-brokered ceasefire late Monday.
Both Russia and Ukraine reported multiple ceasefire violations, primarily along the extensive frontline, but no major aerial attacks occurred during the truce.
Russia resumed its offensive on Tuesday, resulting in nine deaths in Ukraine. On Wednesday, six more fatalities were reported nationwide, including three in the western city of Rivne.
Corruption Investigation Involving Zelensky's Aide
Separately in Kyiv, a court ordered 60 days of pretrial detention for Andriy Yermak, a close aide to President Zelensky, in connection with a corruption scandal.
The court stated that Yermak could be released on bail set at £2.35 million ($3.2 million) with an electronic monitoring tag.
Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies have named Yermak as a suspect in a money-laundering scheme linked to a £7.5 million luxury construction project outside Kyiv.
Yermak's lawyer described the allegations as "baseless."
Following the hearing, Yermak denied the accusations and announced his intention to appeal.
"I'm staying in Ukraine. I have nothing to hide," he said.
Yermak also mentioned that he did not possess the funds required for bail but would seek financial support "among friends and acquaintances."
