Ukrainian Capital Rocked by Overnight Drone Attack as Truce Expires

Russia launched a massive overnight drone assault on Kyiv, triggering explosions across the Ukrainian capital as a three-day truce between the two sides expired. Air raid sirens blared as Ukrainian air defense systems intercepted multiple incoming drones over the city.

Officials reported damage to residential areas and infrastructure, with emergency crews deployed to multiple locations. Ukrainian authorities alerted residents to rush to safe spaces as the attack unfolded.

In a video address following the assault, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv is preparing for more attacks as Moscow continues its combat actions despite the agreed truce.

“Today, there was no silence on the front line. Combat actions have continued. We have documented all of this,” Zelenskyy said. “We also see that Russia has no intention of ending this war and we are unfortunately preparing for new attacks, but peace must come. That is exactly what we are working for. The defense of Ukraine, Ukraine’s independence, and the safety of our people. These are the most important things.”

Zelenskyy also noted that Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, had reported on recent political and technological meetings in the United States. America remains engaged in the diplomatic process, though the war in West Asia currently attracts more attention from the U.S. president.

“There were meetings at the political and technological levels with American companies,” Zelenskyy said. “America remains in the diplomatic process. It is clear that the war in Iran is currently attracting the most attention from America and the US president. But there is a priority and support there from the American people to end this war in Europe as well.”

Earlier in the day, Zelenskyy met German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in Kyiv. The Ukrainian president praised Germany’s continued support for its air defense and said the two countries were working on further joint weapons production possibilities.

Negotiations on the Russia-Ukraine war have so far led nowhere, and the Iran conflict has put the Ukraine war on the back burner for the Trump administration. However, Trump’s three-day ceasefire announcement raised some hope that U.S.-led talks to end Russia’s invasion would be resumed.

Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas indicated that the dynamics of the war are changing in Ukraine’s favor as Russia suffers record casualties and strikes on key oil facilities.

“After the 90 billion loan, Moscow’s record battlefield losses, Ukraine deep strikes into Russia, and Moscow’s shrinking military parade, these all things show that the dynamics of the war are changing,” Kallas said. “Ukraine is in much better position than a year ago, but of course, there is no time for complacency.”