Deadly Russian Missile Strike Hits Kyiv, Kills Eight, Injures Dozens

• Apr 24, 2025

A powerful Russian missile strike on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, killed at least eight people and injured over 70, forcing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to cut short an official trip to South Africa. The attack took place in the early hours of April 24, targeting several residential neighborhoods and leaving widespread destruction.

Zelenskyy announced on Telegram that he would return to Kyiv immediately after meeting South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. His visit was aimed at gaining support to help end the war with Russia, which has entered its fourth year.

The Kyiv City Military Administration reported that Russia launched drones and ballistic missiles, with at least 45 drones detected during the attack. Fires broke out across multiple neighborhoods, including Sviatoshynkskyi, Shevchenkivsky, and Holosiivskyi, where residential buildings were badly damaged.

Emergency crews worked through the debris, searching for survivors and recovering bodies. In one rescue, workers used their hands to pull a trapped woman from the rubble. Nearby, a wounded elderly woman sat motionless against a brick wall, blood on her face as medics treated her injuries.

The Ukrainian State Emergency Service said at least 42 people were hospitalized, and operations continued Thursday morning to find more victims. Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, confirmed fires in several residential buildings following the strikes.

Eyewitness accounts revealed the terror caused by the attacks. Oksana Bilozir, a student with a head wound, described hearing the air raid siren moments before explosions shook her home. “I honestly don't even know how this will all end; it's very scary,” she said. “No diplomacy works here.”

Anastasiia Zhuravlova, a 33-year-old mother of two, said her family took cover in a basement after blasts shattered their windows and sent appliances flying. “After that we came to the shelter because it was scary and dangerous at home,” she said.

The attack came just hours after peace talks appeared to break down. Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Zelenskyy, accusing him of prolonging the war by refusing to cede Crimea to Russia. Zelenskyy, however, reiterated that giving up occupied Ukrainian territory is a red line his country will not cross.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called the strike evidence that Russia, not Ukraine, is blocking peace efforts. Meanwhile, Russian officials claimed Zelenskyy was unwilling to make compromises in the negotiations.