KYIV, Ukraine — The aftermath of a devastating missile strike on a nine-story apartment complex in Kyiv unfolded on Wednesday as emergency responders continued their somber task, unearthing more victims from the debris. The death toll from this tragedy has now climbed to 28, marking the deadliest Russian assault on Ukraine’s capital this year.
The targeted building resided in the Solomianskyi district, receiving a direct hit that led to its catastrophic collapse. Twenty-three of the deceased were discovered within its walls, while five others succumbed to the attack elsewhere in the city. With cranes, excavators, and bare hands, rescue workers meticulously sifted through the remnants, accompanied by sniffer dogs searching for those still missing.
The blast shattered windows and doors across a broad swathe, leaving surrounding buildings damaged. This assault, occurring between Monday night and Tuesday morning, comprised part of a broader offensive by Russia. Despite Ukrainian forces’ efforts to defend their territory, the barrage of 440 drones and 32 missiles became one of the most significant bombardments, as described by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in the four-year-long conflict.
Amid Russia’s intensified offensive along the sprawling 1,000-kilometer front line, urban residential areas have been increasingly targeted. Concurrently, international diplomatic actions, primarily led by the United States, have struggled to curb the aggression. Political focus has shifted globally toward Middle East tensions and trade tariffs, diluting Ukraine’s call for reinforced diplomatic and economic initiatives against Russia.
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv criticized the missile strike, noting its discordance with efforts by the administration of President Donald Trump to broker peace and halt the conflict. “This senseless attack runs counter to President Trump’s call to stop the killing and end the war,” the embassy posted on social media.
In Kyiv, Wednesday was officially declared a day of mourning. Communities gathered to leave flowers at a playground near the devastated apartment block, a poignant reminder of the lives lost. Among those grieving was a man who anxiously waited for his son, a 31-year-old, whose remains were finally recovered from the wreckage.
Support was extended to those affected by Ukraine’s emergency psychologist teams, aiding survivors and family members grappling with their losses. “Some people are in shock, unable to move,” shared Karyna Dovhal, one of the psychologists. “Everyone is waiting for their sons, brothers, uncles.”
One of the fortunate survivors, Valentin Hrynkov, a 64-year-old handyman, recounted the harrowing experience. Living on the seventh floor of an adjacent building, he and his wife were trapped for 30 minutes until rescued, enduring injuries from flying debris. “Helplessness and primal fear” overwhelmed him during the ordeal.
The persistent fear lingered into the night for many residents, who huddled in building entrances for safety as drones continued their relentless attack close by. The perpetual threat impeded firefighters and rescue services from conducting their operations with defusing regularity.
As dawn broke on Tuesday, friends and relatives of those living in the collapsed structure gathered nearby, clinging to hope and awaiting news of possible survivors. The emotional toll of this tragic event continues to unfold in this war-torn city, making it a poignant symbol of the ongoing turmoil.