Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has vowed a strong response following a deadly Russian strike on Kyiv that left at least 24 people dead, as the war between Ukraine and Russia escalates further.
The attack comes amid what Ukraine describes as the largest aerial assault since the start of the war more than four years ago.
Ukraine’s air force said Thursday’s attack targeted a nine-storey apartment building in Kyiv’s Darnytskyi district, causing widespread destruction.
At least 24 people were killed, including three children, as rescue operations continued in the aftermath of the strike.
According to Ukrainian military officials, the bombardment formed part of Russia’s most extensive aerial offensive since the conflict began, involving widespread missile and drone strikes across multiple regions.
Zelenskyy promises strong response
Zelenskyy warned that Russia’s actions “will not go unpunished,” adding that Ukraine is preparing further long-range strikes.
He said he had held discussions with senior military, intelligence, and security officials about targeting Russia’s oil infrastructure and military production facilities.
In response, Ukraine carried out large-scale long-range drone attacks targeting energy and military infrastructure inside Russia.
Russian officials reported at least four deaths, including a child, in the city of Ryazan following a Ukrainian drone strike.
Oil refinery among reported targets
Ukrainian drones also struck a major oil refinery in Ryazan, described as one of Russia’s largest energy facilities.
The counterattacks were part of ongoing cross-border exchanges between the two sides.
Both countries also continued exchanges involving prisoners of war and the remains of soldiers.
Russia reportedly returned 526 bodies of Ukrainian soldiers, while Ukraine handed over the remains of 41 Russian troops.
The exchanges were linked to a three-day ceasefire arrangement previously brokered with involvement from U.S. President Donald Trump.
However, expectations for peace remain uncertain. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently suggested the war may be nearing an end, a claim rejected by Zelenskyy.
Trump also warned that the latest strike on Kyiv could delay ongoing peace efforts, calling the situation “a shame” while expressing hope for resolution.
