Rescuers pull dead from rubble of Kyiv flats after massive Russian strikes

Rescuers pull dead from rubble of Kyiv – Ukraine reported at least five fatalities, including a 12-year-old girl, following a series of coordinated drone and missile attacks by Russia on the capital overnight, according to official statements. Among the casualties, three bodies were recovered from the debris of a partially collapsed apartment complex in Kyiv, where emergency teams are continuing efforts to locate up to ten individuals believed to be trapped. The city’s mayor confirmed that over 200 people were injured in the assault, with two of them being children. Twenty-one individuals are currently receiving treatment in medical facilities, marking the third consecutive day of reported deaths since Russia intensified its operations after a three-day ceasefire ended on Monday.

President Volodomyr Zelensky highlighted that the attack involved more than 670 drones and 56 missiles, targeting over 180 locations across Ukraine. He noted that nearly 93% of these aerial weapons were intercepted, calling for international allies to maintain pressure on Moscow to ensure accountability for the attacks. The strikes caused extensive damage, affecting over 50 residential buildings and disrupting essential infrastructure, including the city’s water supply, as per Kyiv’s mayor. Meanwhile, officials in the capital emphasized the urgency of the rescue mission, with over 1,500 emergency personnel working to clear the rubble and assist survivors.

The search and rescue operation in Kyiv began early Thursday, focusing on a nine-story apartment block that sustained significant damage. Police confirmed the discovery of two men, aged 21 and 30, and an unidentified woman within the rubble of the building’s entrance. Additionally, a separate body of a 12-year-old girl was found in the debris of a nearby structure, according to the mayor. Another individual died in a hospital after being injured during an attack on a petrol station, the police added. The operation has seen teams move more than 20 cubic metres of debris and evacuate five damaged vehicles, but the search for missing persons continues.

Residents in the area, some of whom had taken shelter in tents set up by volunteers and local authorities, described the aftermath of the attacks as shocking. Iryna Movchan, one of those present, shared her experience as she watched debris being cleared. Having returned to Ukraine after two years away for a brief visit, she was staying in a neighboring apartment when the bombardment occurred. “The entire building was shaking. It was very scary,” she told the BBC at the scene. “It was so quiet lately that I thought perhaps it was time to move back completely. And yesterday and today, we had such an Armageddon.” Her words underscored the suddenness of the devastation and the lingering fear among citizens.

The attack also impacted other parts of Kyiv, with reports of damage to a school, a veterinary clinic, and other buildings. Prime Minister Svyrydenko noted that Russian drones had flown across much of the country, including the regions of Kremenchuk, Bila Tserkva, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Odesa, which were also targeted. She expressed concerns about the country’s air defenses, stating on social media that strengthening them was critical to protecting Ukrainian civilians and cities. Zelensky added that 28 people were injured in Kharkiv and two in Odesa, emphasizing the widespread nature of the assault.

The strikes coincided with a pivotal moment in global diplomacy, as the U.S. and China held a major summit. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiha, used the occasion to urge the leaders to apply pressure on Russia to end the conflict. “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,” he stated. This timing added a layer of urgency to the situation, as the war had reached a stalemate on the frontline, with both sides reporting multiple violations of the ceasefire during its brief duration.

Just days before the attacks, Russia had scaled back its Victory Day parade due to fears of a potential strike. However, the event proceeded without incident, with Putin later suggesting that the war might be nearing its conclusion. The resumption of attacks on Tuesday, which killed nine people, and a subsequent major strike on Wednesday that claimed six more lives, marked a return to intense combat. Ukraine’s air force reported that 892 drones were launched during the latest assault, underscoring the scale of Russia’s military efforts.

As the search for survivors and victims continues, the situation in Kyiv remains tense. The city’s mayor reiterated that the damage to residential areas is a direct consequence of the prolonged assault, which has escalated since the ceasefire ended. The involvement of over 600 rescuers in Kyiv, alongside additional personnel across Ukraine, highlights the scale of the operation. However, the challenge of clearing rubble and identifying all casualties persists, with teams working under difficult conditions to save lives and document the extent of the destruction.

Residents’ accounts and the physical aftermath of the attacks paint a picture of chaos and resilience. While some are recovering from injuries, others face the uncertainty of whether they will be found alive. The emotional toll on the population is evident, with many expressing disbelief at the rapid shift from relative calm to devastation. The incident has also reignited discussions about the need for stronger international support, as Ukraine seeks to counter Russia’s growing military pressure. With the war’s trajectory shifting, the focus remains on both the immediate relief efforts and the long-term strategy to secure peace.

Amid the ongoing crisis, officials are emphasizing the importance of sustained global sanctions and military aid to Ukraine. The high interception rate of Russian drones and missiles, while a positive development, does not diminish the impact of the attacks on civilian life. The combined toll of casualties and infrastructure damage serves as a reminder of the stakes involved in the conflict. As the search and rescue teams press on, the hope is that more survivors will be found, but the road to recovery is expected to be long and arduous. The events of the past few days have once again demonstrated the intensity of the fighting and the vulnerability of Ukrainian cities to Russian assaults.