Devastating Russian Strikes on Kyiv: Ukraine Mourns as Diplomatic Tensions Escalate

Kyiv endured one of its deadliest nights since the start of the Russian invasion. Between April 23 and 24, a wave of missiles and drones rained down on the Ukrainian capital, killing at least 13 people and injuring 97, according to the latest reports. Among the victims are several children, and emergency crews continue to search through the rubble of residential buildings torn apart by the blasts.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense described the attack as a massive, coordinated assault involving 70 missiles and 145 drones launched across six regions, with Kyiv and Kharkiv among the primary targets. Air defense systems intercepted more than half of the incoming threats, yet the destruction remains extensive. Fires broke out in multiple neighborhoods but have since been contained.

Kharkiv Also Hit

Further east, the city of Kharkiv was struck by repeated missile attacks, resulting in at least two injuries, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov. This fresh wave of bombardments comes just days after the Orthodox Easter truce ended, signaling a harsh return to active hostilities.

Tensions Flare Between Kyiv and Washington

Amid the ongoing violence, Donald Trump sparked controversy by accusing the Ukrainian president of hindering peace efforts and making “inflammatory” remarks regarding Crimea. In response, Volodymyr Zelensky cited a 2018 official U.S. statement firmly rejecting Russia’s annexation of the region.

In light of the strikes, the Ukrainian leader cut short a diplomatic visit to South Africa and returned to Kyiv urgently. In a social media statement, he called for the international community to demand the “immediate and unconditional” halt of Russian attacks, emphasizing that Ukraine has upheld the ceasefire agreement declared 44 days ago.