Russian Missile Strikes on Kyiv Claim 28 Lives, Including Three Children

Kyiv was plunged into mourning on Friday after a Russian ballistic missile and drone assault left at least 28 people dead, including three children, and more than 150 others injured.

Rescue workers recovered the body of a two-year-old boy from the rubble in the early hours of Friday, marking the third child confirmed dead in the attack. The other victims were a six-year-old and a 17-year-old, according to Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s presidential office.

The strikes, which began in the early hours of Thursday, involved over 300 drones and eight missiles, making it one of the deadliest assaults on Ukraine’s capital since Russia launched its full-scale invasion nearly three and a half years ago.

Authorities described the incident as the single attack with the highest number of child casualties in Kyiv to date, with at least 16 children among the wounded.

City officials declared Friday a day of mourning as emergency crews continued rescue and recovery efforts across the affected neighborhoods.

Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, confirming the updated death toll on X, condemned the strikes while urging the international community to hold Russia accountable.

“This morning, the body of a 2-year-old child was pulled from the rubble, bringing the total dead to 28, of which 3 are children. Over 150 people have been wounded,” Svyrydenko said. “The world possesses every instrument required to ensure Russia is brought to justice. What is lacking is not power – but will.”

The devastation in Kyiv underscores the escalating humanitarian toll of Russia’s ongoing offensive and renews calls for stronger international action.