KYIV, UKRAINE – At least seven people have been killed and numerous others injured in an overnight Russian aerial assault on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, and the surrounding region. The extensive attack, involving both missiles and drones, struck residential areas and critical infrastructure, including at least one hospital, according to Ukrainian officials.

The Interior Minister, Ihor Klymenko, confirmed the casualties in a social media post early Monday morning. Rescue services immediately deployed to multiple sites across the Kyiv region, where emergency workers faced burning buildings and significant debris. The attacks occurred as residents slept, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the bombardment.

The strikes inflicted substantial damage, with several multi-story residential buildings set ablaze or partially destroyed. Firefighters battled intense blazes for hours, while paramedics provided aid to the wounded, many of whom were trapped under rubble or injured by falling debris. Images from the scene showed smoke billowing from damaged structures and emergency vehicles lining the streets.

Ukrainian air defense systems were engaged throughout the night, attempting to intercept incoming projectiles. While many drones and missiles were reportedly shot down, a significant number managed to penetrate defenses, leading to the devastating impacts. Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage and the final casualty toll.

This latest assault on Kyiv underscores Russia's continued strategy of targeting Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, a tactic condemned by international bodies as a violation of international humanitarian law. Such attacks aim to sow terror and disrupt daily life, despite Moscow's repeated claims that it only targets military installations. The Ukrainian government has reiterated its urgent need for advanced air defense systems from its international partners to better protect its cities and citizens from these persistent threats.

The humanitarian situation remains precarious, with local authorities providing temporary shelter and aid to those displaced by the destruction. The attack serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing conflict's human cost and the relentless pressure on Ukraine's emergency services and healthcare system.