On the early hours of May 7, 2025, Kyiv endured a coordinated Russian missile and drone assault that killed at least two people and injured eight others, including four children, Ukrainian officials reported. The attacks caused fires in multiple residential buildings across three districts of the Ukrainian capital.
Details of the Attack and Casualties
- Russian forces launched one ballistic missile and around 28 drones targeting Kyiv. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted the missile and shot down at least 11 drones, but debris from the destroyed drones caused fires in apartments and buildings in the Shevchenkivskyi, Sviatoshynskyi, and Dniprovskyi districts.
- In the Shevchenkivskyi district, drone debris struck a five-story residential building, igniting fires that led to the deaths of two people.
- Four children and several adults were wounded, with three children hospitalized due to burns sustained in the attacks.
- Fires also broke out in a nine-story building in Sviatoshynskyi district, affecting multiple upper floors and prompting rescue operations that saved five people.
- A drone strike damaged the upper floors of a high-rise in the Dniprovskyi district, causing partial destruction but no injuries.
- Additional damage was reported to a supermarket, a post office branch, and several vehicles.
Impact on Moscow and Russian Response
For the third consecutive night, Ukraine launched drone attacks targeting Moscow, disrupting operations at the city’s main airports. Russian air defenses intercepted at least 14 Ukrainian drones, with no reported damage in the Russian capital.
Ceasefire Proposal Amid Escalation
The attacks came just ahead of a proposed three-day ceasefire from May 8 to 10 announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin to coincide with Victory Day celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s World War II victory. Putin is scheduled to host several world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is visiting Moscow in a show of solidarity.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the ceasefire proposal, describing it as a “theatrical performance” aimed at easing Russia’s international isolation rather than a genuine peace effort.
This latest escalation underscores the fragile and volatile situation as both sides prepare for a temporary pause in hostilities, with civilians in Kyiv bearing the brunt of the conflict’s ongoing toll.
Sources: Reuters, Kyiv Independent, Euronews, Washington Post, Kyiv City Military Administration