Russian forces conducted a substantial overnight assault on Ukraine's capital using missiles and drones, resulting in at least ten confirmed deaths across multiple neighbourhoods. The strikes produced visible destruction including blast craters, fires that engulfed buildings such as a hotel and ambulance station, and extensive damage to residential infrastructure. Civilians sheltered in underground metro stations and designated areas as air defence systems engaged throughout the attack, with children reportedly among the casualties.

Russia's Defence Ministry attributed the strikes to energy and defence infrastructure in retaliation for recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian power facilities, whilst Ukrainian officials stated Moscow had deliberately targeted residential areas and civilians. The attack came after President Zelensky received intelligence warnings and cut short an official visit, marking the first major assault of this scale in more than two weeks. Poland activated fighter jets as a protective measure following the strike, and the assault occurred as Russian forces continue their advance in eastern Ukraine toward the strategically significant city of Kostyantynivka.