In the early hours of 2025, Russia’s military launched an air attack on the center of Kyiv, causing damage and casualties. At least one person was killed, and seven others were wounded, including two pregnant women, as a result of the attack. The Ukrainian air force reported that a total of 111 Russian drones were fired at Ukraine overnight, with the majority being intercepted or disabled by air defense systems. The damage caused by the attack was attributed to falling debris from the intercepted drones, which hit apartment blocks and also damaged Ukraine’s Central Bank building.
After the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his New Year’s message, expressed his commitment to ending the war in the next 12 months. However, the attack on Kyiv by Russian forces came just hours after this message, causing Zelensky to condemn Russia’s actions on social media. Zelensky accused Russia of only seeking to harm Ukraine even on New Year’s night and denounced the attack on the city center. The targeted Pechersky district, where the attack took place, is home to the presidential palace and government quarter, indicating the severity of the assault.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously threatened to strike the heart of Kyiv in response to Ukraine firing U.S.-supplied long-range rockets into Russian territory. The recent attack by Russian forces on Kyiv appears to be a continuation of this threat, with the drones targeting a strategic and symbolic location in the Ukrainian capital. The escalation of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine has raised concerns about the impact on civilians and the potential for further violence in the region.
The Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s office confirmed the death of one person and the increase in the number of wounded individuals, highlighting the human cost of the conflict. The attack on Kyiv underscores the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides engaging in military actions that have resulted in casualties and damage to infrastructure. The interception of the majority of the Russian drones by Ukrainian air defense systems indicates the preparedness and capabilities of the Ukrainian forces in defending against aerial attacks.
The international community has condemned the attack on Kyiv and called for a de-escalation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The United States, European Union, and other countries have expressed support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and called on Russia to respect international law and cease its aggressive actions. The attack on Kyiv has sparked fears of further violence in the region and has prompted calls for diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The situation in Ukraine remains volatile, with the risk of further military escalation and civilian casualties.
In response to the attack on Kyiv, Ukrainian authorities have vowed to defend the country’s sovereignty and protect its citizens from further harm. President Zelensky has reiterated his commitment to ending the war and seeking a peaceful solution to the conflict through diplomatic channels. The attack on Kyiv serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing hostilities in the region and the need for a concerted international effort to bring about a lasting peace. The targeted assault on the Ukrainian capital has heightened tensions and raised concerns about the potential for a wider conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
