Aerial assaults on Kyiv by Russia erupted early on December 27, resulting in significant casualties and damage. The attacks involved a barrage of hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and Iskander ballistic missiles, accompanied by Kalibr cruise missiles shortly before 2 a.m. Kyiv time. Reports indicate that drones continued to target the capital throughout the night.
Casualties and Impact
As a result of the assault, 32 individuals sustained injuries, and two fatalities were reported. An elderly man from the Dniprovskyi district died, with his wife in critical condition. Another death occurred in the town of Bila Tserka, part of Kyiv Oblast. Residents recounted the chaos, with explosions causing widespread panic.
Damage to Infrastructure
The drone attacks led to extensive damage across various neighborhoods in Kyiv. Key incidents include:
- An explosion at an apartment block in the Dniprovskyi district.
- A person believed to be trapped under debris in an 18-story building.
- A fire that spread through floors in multiple apartment buildings.
Additionally, the attack affected heating services, cutting off heat to around one-third of the capital, impacting approximately 4,000 residential buildings. Some households also experienced water supply interruptions.
Response Efforts
Firefighters and emergency responders worked to manage the aftermath at five different locations across the city. As engineers strive to restore power, ongoing energy shortages persist, leaving homes without electricity for lengthy periods.
Regional Effects
Explosions were not limited to Kyiv; surrounding towns such as Brovary also reported power outages. In Vyshhorod, five kilometers north of Kyiv, windows were reportedly damaged in a high-rise building. Kyiv Oblast Governor Mykola Kalashnyk confirmed damage to warehouses in Boryspil district and injuries in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast.
International Reactions
The assault coincides with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s scheduled meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on December 28. Discussions will likely center on security guarantees and economic cooperation, particularly in the context of ongoing tensions with Russia.
As of now, Ukraine’s Air Force continues to alert the public to the persistent threat posed by Russian missiles and drones across multiple regions. This latest attack underscores the critical nature of the ongoing conflict and its devastating impact on civilian lives and infrastructure.
