Zelensky Denounces 'Vile' 12-Hour Russian Attack on Kyiv

Thu Oct 16 2025 22:21:02 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned a lengthy and deadly Russian aerial bombardment, marking one of the heaviest attacks in recent months, with numerous casualties and widespread destruction.

In a brutal assault that lasted over 12 hours, Russian forces targeted several Ukrainian regions, particularly Kyiv, resulting in at least four deaths, including a child, and around 70 injuries. President Zelensky called the attack 'vile' and vowed retaliation, emphasizing the ongoing dangers posed by Russia. While Moscow claims to target military facilities, the civilian toll and damage to infrastructure are reportedly extensive, prompting calls for international support and a strong response from allies.

A Russian aerial bombardment that lasted more than 12 hours has killed at least four people and injured at least 70 others in Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said the deaths all occurred in the capital, Kyiv, where many of the projectiles were aimed, and the victims included a 12-year-old girl.

The barrage - involving nearly 600 drones and several dozen missiles aimed at seven regions of Ukraine - is one of the heaviest in recent months.

Zelensky warned that Ukraine would retaliate and said the 'vile' attack showed Moscow 'wants to continue fighting and killing'. Russia claimed it struck military facilities and industrial enterprises supporting Ukraine's armed forces.

For Ukrainians, aerial bombardments can be both random and routine. They tend to occur late on Saturday evenings - in this case, the first sirens were heard at 22:00 GMT.

The sound of anti-aircraft fire was punctuated with occasional explosions - presumably either from the sound of an intercepted drone or one hitting its target.

Emergency services reported that an attack on Kyiv's Institute of Cardiology resulted in the deaths of a nurse and a patient, while other civilian sites were also heavily impacted.

Zelensky vowed that Ukraine 'will strike back' to 'force diplomacy' from Russia, citing the need for a strong response from Europe and the US.

Zaporizhzhia's Governor reported that 34 people were injured in the region, including three children, amidst a backdrop of Moscow's aggressive military actions that are now testing European air defenses.