Context:

A Russian strike on Kyiv resulted in at least 14 deaths and over 40 injuries, marking one of the largest attacks since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. Igor Klymenko, Ukraine's interior minister, reported that Russian drones and missiles targeted 27 locations, significantly damaging residential and critical infrastructure. The attack lasted nine hours, with ongoing rescue efforts to free trapped individuals amidst the rubble. Moreover, Kyiv suffered additional drone strikes, while Odesa experienced a large-scale drone attack resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. Despite ongoing drone warfare, diplomatic talks have failed to yield a ceasefire, with Russia maintaining control over significant portions of Ukrainian territory.

Dive Deeper:

• At least 14 people were killed and more than 40 injured in a massive Russian strike on Kyiv, which targeted 27 areas throughout the city, causing extensive damage to residential buildings and critical infrastructure.

• Ukrainian Interior Minister Igor Klymenko described the attack as one of the largest since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, highlighting the severity of the ongoing conflict.

• The attack on Kyiv persisted for nine hours overnight, creating a nightmarish scenario with people trapped under rubble and entire buildings collapsing, as reported by Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko.

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, emphasized that the Russian strikes on Kyiv were part of an ongoing war against civilians, as rescue operations continued.

• The southern city of Odesa also faced a major drone attack, resulting in at least one death and ten injuries, with fears that people may still be trapped under debris, according to Klymenko.

• Recent weeks have seen continued drone warfare between Ukraine and Russia, as diplomatic negotiations have not yet achieved a ceasefire or significant progress towards peace.

• Russia maintains control over approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, which was annexed in 2014, as the war enters its third year since the 2022 invasion.