On the night of August 28 and at dawn, Russia launched one of the largest attacks on the Ukrainian capital since the start of the full-scale war. For several hours, Kyiv was hit by various types of weapons — kamikaze drones, ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as hypersonic “Kinzhal” missiles.
Civilian casualties
As of 11:30 a.m., according to the State Emergency Service, 14 civilians were confirmed dead and 38 were injured. Among the victims were three children aged 2, 14, and 17. At least five minors were taken to hospitals, three of whom are in serious condition.
Ten people are also reported missing. The Darnytskyi district was hit hardest, where a Russian missile struck a five-story building, destroying an entire stairwell. The blast wave destroyed apartments and damaged surrounding buildings and cars.
“Three people were rescued alive from the rubble. There is a high probability that residents are still trapped under the ruins,” said Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko.
The extent of the destruction
The attack affected eight of the capital’s ten districts at once: Dniprovskyi, Darnytskyi, Shevchenkivskyi, Sviatoshynskyi, Desnianskyi, Obolonskyi, Holosiivskyi, and Solomianskyi. In total, damage was recorded in more than 20 locations, including residential buildings on the left bank of the city.
The State Emergency Service reported that more than 500 rescuers and 1,000 police officers are working non-stop. Robotic complexes are being used to clear debris, dog handlers with search dogs and aircraft are being used to extinguish fires.
Day of mourning
The city authorities have declared August 29 a day of mourning for those killed in Kyiv. State flags will be flown at half-mast and entertainment events will be canceled throughout the capital.
Reaction of the authorities
President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to the tragedy with words of sympathy and an angry appeal to the world:
“Right now, the rubble of a regular residential building is being cleared in Kyiv after a Russian strike. More killings. People are still under the rubble. Children are among the dead. Russia chooses missiles and drones over peace and diplomacy. It is still not afraid of the consequences because part of the world is turning a blind eye. It is time for new tough sanctions against Russia.”
The president separately addressed China and Hungary, calling on them to respond clearly to the mass killing of civilians, including children.
This attack was the second large-scale attack on Kyiv in August. According to international experts, Russia is trying to increase psychological pressure on the Ukrainian population by striking large cities and civilian infrastructure.
Since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, at least 13,883 civilians have been killed, including 726 children, and more than 35,000 have been injured (UN data).
