Kyiv can often feel distant from war during the day. But at night, the threat looms heavily.
As the morning traffic crawls along the Dnipro river, the city goes about its business until the air raid sirens sound, alerting residents to potential missile and drone strikes.
This past night saw Russia unleash nearly 600 drones and over 30 missiles on the Ukrainian capital, the most deadly attack targeting the Darnytskyi district, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life.
Witness accounts describe hearing an explosive strike that devastated a low-rise residential building. The impact was horrifying, as rescue teams scoured the debris for survivors, amidst plumes of smoke from the destruction.
Iryna Kutsenko frantically searched for her mother, who chose to shelter in their apartment corridor instead of seeking safer grounds. The attacks struck at a time when most were fast asleep, highlighting the brutality of the assault.
Authorities reported casualties rising throughout the day. Eyewitnesses and government officials decried the bombings, labeling them terror attacks amid international outrage over Russia's actions. Families continue to grapple with the reality of life in a war-torn city, where danger feels ever-present and the hope for peace appears dim.
