According to Ukrainian authorities, the attack involved 810 drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, most of which were launched overnight. Debris from the interceptions caused fires across the capital and damaged residential areas.
The strike on the Cabinet building, which houses several ministries, was described as a symbolic escalation.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack in a televised address, calling it a deliberate strike against civilians. 'Russia continues its policy of terror,' he said, urging Western allies to tighten sanctions and increase military support.
Ukraine's prime minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, warned that Moscow was escalating its campaign by targeting state institutions.
'This attack shows that Russia is not only striking our energy and residential infrastructure, but also our government institutions,' she said, adding that international partners must respond with stronger measures against Russian oil and gas revenues.
The Guardian reported that emergency services battled flames at the Cabinet building for several hours before bringing the fire under control. Witnesses described smoke rising from central Kyiv as sirens echoed throughout the city.
According to local officials, among the dead was a young mother and her child, killed when debris struck their residential block. Another civilian died in a separate blast on the city's left bank. Across the country, 18 people were injured, including several in critical condition.
The assault also drew swift international condemnation. European leaders denounced Moscow's actions as a violation of international law. French officials reiterated support for Kyiv, while British leaders said the attack underscored the need to accelerate air defence deliveries.
In Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested his administration was considering additional sanctions on Russia. He described the strike as 'a brutal escalation' and said his team was in contact with allies to coordinate a response.
Rania Umutoni
