Russia launched a devastating 11-hour missile and drone assault on Kyiv, killing 12 civilians and injuring 90 in the largest attack since July 2024, prompting President Trump to condemn the aggression and call for renewed peace talks.
Key Insights
- The massive Russian attack on Kyiv began around 1:00 a.m. on April 24, 2025, targeting at least five neighborhoods with both drones and ballistic missiles.
- At least 45 drones were detected during the assault, which caused fires in residential buildings across multiple districts in Ukraine’s capital.
- President Donald Trump publicly condemned the attack in a rare direct criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy canceled his South African diplomatic trip to return home and manage the crisis response.
- The attack occurred amid stalled peace negotiations, with tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy over potential territorial concessions.
Devastating Overnight Assault Rocks Ukrainian Capital
Ukrainian authorities reported that Russia unleashed a barrage of missiles and drones on Kyiv beginning around 1:00 a.m. on April 24, 2025. The attack, which continued for nearly 11 hours, targeted at least five neighborhoods across the capital city. The Kyiv City Military Administration confirmed that at least 45 drones were deployed alongside ballistic missiles in what officials described as the most significant strike on the capital since July 2024. Air defense systems were activated throughout the night as explosions echoed across the city.
The assault triggered multiple fires in residential buildings in the Sviatoshynkskyi, Shevchenkivsky, and Holosiivskyi districts. Ukraine’s State Emergency Service reported that at least 42 people required hospitalization, with rescue efforts continuing throughout the day as workers searched through damaged structures. The death toll reached 12 civilians, with approximately 90 others suffering injuries of varying severity. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to evacuate residents from damaged buildings and provide medical assistance to the wounded.
Just hours after Donald Trump claimed a peace deal was within reach, Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kiev. Randolph Nogel has more pic.twitter.com/Lnv2IWvr2Z
— TRT World Now (@TRTWorldNow) April 24, 2025
Trump Condemns Russian Aggression
In a significant diplomatic development, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a strong condemnation of the attack. The president called directly on Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease aggressive actions and return to the negotiating table. This marked a notable shift in tone from the administration, which has previously encouraged Ukraine to consider territorial concessions as part of peace negotiations. President Trump emphasized that civilian casualties undermine prospects for diplomatic resolution and called for immediate de-escalation.
The attack comes amid complex diplomatic tensions between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Recent discussions have stalled over potential peace terms, with Trump previously suggesting that Ukraine should consider ceding Crimea to Russia to expedite an end to hostilities. Zelenskyy has consistently maintained that recognizing occupied territory as Russian is fundamentally unacceptable to Ukraine and would violate its sovereignty. These differing perspectives have complicated efforts to forge a unified approach to ending the conflict.
International Response and Humanitarian Crisis
The devastating attack prompted immediate international reaction. Several Western leaders joined President Trump in condemning the strike, with many calling for increased humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The assault forced Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to abruptly cancel his diplomatic visit to South Africa, where he had been working to build international support. Zelenskyy returned to Kyiv to coordinate emergency response efforts and address the immediate needs of affected civilians.
The scale of destruction has heightened concerns about Russia’s military strategy and its willingness to target civilian infrastructure. Emergency services reported significant damage to apartment buildings, schools, and hospitals across the capital. The attack has further strained Ukraine’s already overwhelmed healthcare system, with medical facilities struggling to treat the influx of injured civilians. International aid organizations have mobilized to provide additional medical supplies and personnel to support recovery efforts.
Sources:
- Russia launches Kyiv missile attack hours after Trump says peace deal ‘very close’
- Russia blamed for overnight strike on Kyiv that killed at least 9, injured dozens, including children
- Russian strike on Kyiv kills at least 12 in biggest attack on Ukrainian capital since last summer
