Russian Drone and Missile Strikes Keep Kyiv Under Siege

Russian Drone and Missile Strikes Keep Kyiv Under Siege

Russian drone and missile strikes continue to torment Kyiv, keeping residents in constant fear and robbing them of sleep, safety, and peace. A recent attack, which lasted through the early morning hours, left two civilians dead and 25 others injured as Ukrainian air defenses fought to intercept a barrage of missiles and drones.

Al Jazeera cameraman Alasdair Brenard, reporting from the city, shared his harrowing experience of the overnight assault. He awoke at 2 a.m. to the sound of an explosion, having missed the initial air raid siren. As drones buzzed overhead and missile interceptions rocked the city, Brenard sought safety in his hotel’s bathroom and later joined others in the lobby.

Kyiv Endures Relentless Night Assaults

Throughout the night, the Ukrainian capital endured a wave of attacks involving an estimated 397 drones and 18 missiles. Ukrainian officials reported that Russian forces had escalated their aerial campaign over recent weeks. Machine gun fire echoed through the streets as air defense units fought off incoming threats.

“The fear never goes away,” Brenard said. “There’s always the doubt that the next impact could be right above you.”

Residents without access to shelters scrambled for safety, while volunteers later distributed hot drinks, porridge, and first aid to survivors.

Civilian Casualties Mount as Attacks Continue

Among the victims were 65-year-old Leubov, who had recently undergone spinal surgery and could not evacuate, and 22-year-old Maria, who was killed after briefly returning to her apartment. In addition to homes and apartments, the strikes damaged an outpatient clinic and multiple warehouses.

The continuous attacks have become a nightly ordeal for Kyiv’s population. The physical destruction is matched by the psychological toll — sleep deprivation, fear, and trauma are daily realities for Ukrainians under siege.

Ukraine Warns of Escalation at Global Forum

While Ukrainians dealt with the aftermath, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed leaders at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome. He warned that Russia may soon launch 1,000 drones in a single night — a threat he said must be countered with “interceptor” drones.

“The future of air warfare is here,” Zelenskyy said. “And Ukraine is on the front lines.”

As drone-on-drone battles become the new face of war, Kyiv braces for more sleepless nights and devastating mornings. For the city’s residents, the skies remain both a battleground and a source of terror.