KYIV, UKRAINE – April 24, 2024 – In one of the most brutal assaults in recent months, Russia unleashed a massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities overnight, killing at least nine civilians and wounding over 70, including children. The strikes, which began in the early hours of Thursday, marked a significant escalation in Russia Ukraine War.
Image courtesy: Reuters
Former U.S. President Donald Trump responded to the attack, calling it “unnecessary and very bad timing,” while directly addressing Russian President Vladimir Putin with a demand to “stop” the strikes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, meanwhile, accused the West of not doing enough to pressure Moscow, stating that Ukraine is “not seeing strong sanctions” against Russia despite the continued violence.
Key Takeaways Russia Ukraine War:
✔ At least 9 dead, 70+ injured – Rescue teams still searching for survivors under rubble.
✔ Children and pregnant woman among wounded – Hospitals overwhelmed with casualties.
✔ Trump blames Zelenskyy for stalled peace talks – Claims Ukraine’s refusal to recognize Crimea’s annexation is “harmful.”
✔ Zelenskyy demands more weapons and sanctions – Says world response is “not strong enough.”
✔ U.S. and EU condemn attack but take no major new action – Calls for peace talks continue.
Inside the Night of Terror: How the Attack Unfolded
The assault began just after 1 a.m. local time, with ballistic missiles, Iranian-made drones, and guided cruise missiles slamming into residential areas of Kyiv. Ukrainian air defenses managed to intercept some of the projectiles, but falling debris caused fires and widespread destruction across the city.
Survivors Describe Chaos and Destruction
- Olena Kovalenko, 34, Kyiv resident: “We heard a huge explosion, then the building shook. When we ran outside, there was smoke everywhere—people were screaming, cars were on fire.”
- Emergency worker Andriy Petrov: *”We pulled a 7-year-old girl from the rubble. She was alive but covered in dust and blood. Her parents are still missing.”*
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that rescue operations were ongoing, with teams working through the night to locate survivors. Among the most heartbreaking discoveries was a destroyed maternity ward where a pregnant woman was critically injured.
Worst-Hit Areas:
📍 Svyatoshinsky District – Apartment block partially collapsed, two children missing.
📍 Shevchenkivskyi District – Shopping center and residential buildings on fire.
📍 Darnytskyi District – Power outages after missile strikes on infrastructure.
Trump vs. Zelenskyy: Clashing Views on War and Peace
The attack has reignited the debate over how to end the war, with Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy taking opposing stances.
Trump’s Controversial Comments
In a Truth Social post, Trump criticized Zelenskyy for refusing to recognize Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, calling it a major obstacle to peace talks.
“This statement is very harmful to negotiations with Russia,” Trump wrote. “Crimea was lost years ago and is not even a point of discussion anymore.”
He also suggested that Zelenskyy’s unwillingness to compromise was prolonging the war, a claim that drew backlash from Ukrainian officials.
Zelenskyy’s Defiant Response
Ukraine’s president fired back, insisting that surrendering territory is not an option.
“We will not trade our land for false promises of peace,” Zelenskyy said in a televised address. “The world must understand—if Putin takes Kyiv today, he will take another capital tomorrow.”
He also called for faster weapons deliveries and stronger sanctions, accusing some Western leaders of “war fatigue.”
You May Like This: Pahalgam Terror Attack Live Updates: Opposition Fully Supports Centre’s Actions
Global Reactions: Condemnation but Little Action
United States
- The White House called the attack “barbaric” but did not announce new military aid.
- National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the U.S. remains committed to Ukraine but urged diplomatic solutions.
European Union
- Josep Borrell, EU foreign policy chief, vowed to “speed up weapons deliveries.”
- Germany pledged additional air defense systems, but Zelenskyy says they are “coming too slowly.”
United Nations
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the strikes but admitted peace talks are stalled.
- No new sanctions were proposed at the emergency Security Council meeting.
What Happens Next?
1. Will Ukraine Get More Weapons?
Kyiv is pleading for:
- F-16 fighter jets (delays in training pilots).
- More Patriot missile systems (only a few currently deployed).
- Long-range missiles to strike Russian supply lines.
2. Is Russia Planning a New Offensive?
Military analysts warn that this attack could be a prelude to a larger assault, possibly targeting Kharkiv or Odesa next.
3. Are Peace Talks Possible?
- Russia insists Ukraine must accept territorial losses.
- Ukraine refuses any deal that rewards Russian aggression.
- The West is divided—some push for negotiations, others for more military support.
Conclusion: A War with No End in Sight
As Kyiv buries its dead and hospitals treat the wounded, the world is left with more questions than answers. Will the West finally step up with faster, stronger support? Or will war fatigue lead to pressure on Ukraine to concede?
One thing is clear: Putin shows no signs of stopping, and Ukraine will not surrender. The coming weeks could determine whether this war escalates further or moves toward an uneasy ceasefire.
Follow for live updates on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.