Russia Pounds Kyiv in Deadly Night Raid; Fires Rage Across the Capital

In a renewed wave of aerial assaults, Russia launched a heavy barrage of drones and missiles against Ukraine overnight on Monday, resulting in the death of at least one person in Kyiv and striking several key locations, including a metro station used as a shelter by hundreds of civilians.

The overnight offensive left fires burning across Kyiv and injured at least six individuals, according to the city’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko.

Emergency personnel, including firefighters and medics, were dispatched across four different districts to respond to the damage.

One of the hardest-hit areas was around Lukianivska metro station, a location frequently targeted by Russian strikes in recent months.

Thick smoke was seen pouring into the Lukianivska station following the attack, exacerbating the terror of those seeking safety underground.

The head of Kyiv’s military administration, Tymur Tkachenko, confirmed that the entrance to the metro station had been damaged.

Nearby infrastructure, including local shops, businesses, and even a kindergarten, was also hit in the strike.

Footage from the scene showed chaotic scenes on the metro platform, where dust clouded the air and one woman was heard crying.

Max, a 32-year-old resident, recounted the horror to The Guardian, saying that a friend of his had sought refuge in the metro when the explosions began.

“He called me and said he heard the blast,” Max recalled.

“Part of the building collapsed, and the roof fell down the escalator.

“Smoke was everywhere.

“Walking around here feels like hell.

“It’s okay during the day, but the nights are unbearable.”

This marks at least the fifth attack on the Lukianivska area, he added.

“If the smoke can now reach underground shelters, where are we supposed to go?”

Kyiv residents endured yet another restless night, with the drone attacks beginning shortly after 2 a.m.

Loud booms echoed throughout the city as Ukraine’s air defense systems attempted to intercept the incoming threats.

The raid persisted for nearly three hours, finally subsiding around 5 a.m.

Meanwhile, the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk—located far from the frontlines, also suffered heavy bombardment.

Its mayor, Ruslan Martsinkiv, called it the most intense strike since Russia began its full-scale invasion in 2022.

Several people in surrounding villages were reported injured. Explosions were also recorded in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.

The attacks came on the heels of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announcing a renewed proposal for peace talks with Moscow.

Although Ukraine has sought negotiations in the past, including two prior rounds of discussions in Istanbul, these talks have failed to produce a ceasefire.

Instead, they have mostly led to large prisoner exchanges and agreements to recover the remains of fallen soldiers.

Russia has recently indicated a willingness to re-engage in negotiations.

Kremlin officials claimed they were open to dialogue after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly gave Moscow a 50-day deadline to reach a peace agreement or face renewed sanctions.

However, there is no sign that Russian President Vladimir Putin has revised his sweeping demands, which include capturing more Ukrainian territory and ousting the Zelenskyy-led government.

Speaking on Sunday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov admitted that achieving a diplomatic resolution was “not simple,” reiterating that Russia’s goals must be met.

These include both territorial gains and political change within Ukraine, positions Ukraine has consistently rejected.

In response to the ongoing war and continued aggression, the European Union announced its 18th sanctions package against Russia last Friday.

The new measures target key Russian financial institutions and further reduce the price cap on Russian oil exports, moves intended to strain the Kremlin’s ability to sustain its war effort.

The most recent wave of attacks highlights the escalating human and infrastructural toll of the war, with no immediate sign of de-escalation.

As the conflict grinds on, civilians across Ukraine continue to endure devastating nightly raids, adding urgency to international calls for renewed diplomatic efforts.

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