May 25, 2025 — In the dead of night, Russia carried out what Ukrainian officials have called the most extensive aerial attack since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. A total of 69 missiles and 298 kamikaze drones were launched, targeting urban and civilian infrastructure across the country. Despite the active efforts of Ukraine’s air defenses, the assault caused widespread destruction, left at least 12 dead, and injured more than 70 — including children.
Kyiv and Kyiv Region: Casualties and Fires in Residential Areas
In Ukraine’s capital, multiple districts were struck by falling drone debris. In the Holosiivskyi district, a drone strike ignited a fire in a five-story dormitory. Residential buildings were damaged in the Shevchenkivskyi district, including on Lukianivka Street. A private home in the Dniprovskyi district was also hit. Overall, 11 people were injured in Kyiv, three of whom were hospitalized.
In the surrounding Kyiv region, strikes hit five administrative areas: Obukhiv, Fastiv, Bucha, Brovary, and Bila Tserkva. Several homes and warehouses were damaged. Officials confirmed four fatalities and 16 injuries, including three children.
Odesa: Drone Attack Ignites Car Lot
In Odesa, 20 vehicles were destroyed in a blaze triggered by drone strikes near a residential complex. No injuries were reported. The regional prosecutor’s office has opened a war crimes investigation in connection with the attack.
Mykolaiv: Residential Building Hit, One Dead
In Mykolaiv, a five-story residential building was severely damaged. Two floors were completely destroyed. One person was killed, five were injured — including a teenager. Emergency responders evacuated 210 residents. Two women were rescued, one in critical condition.
Chernihiv Region: Massive Warehouse Fire
In the Chernihiv region, fires broke out at warehouses and other non-residential buildings. The most extensive blaze covered over 1,000 square meters. Several impacts were also recorded in the regional capital. Casualty numbers are still being verified.
Kharkiv: Civil Infrastructure Damaged
Strikes were confirmed in Kharkiv’s Osnovianskyi, Novobavarskyi, and Shevchenkivskyi districts. Civilian infrastructure, including offices and utility services, were damaged. A child suffered injuries from shattered glass.
Sumy: Food Facility Struck Twice
In Sumy, Russian drones hit a food processing facility, sparking a fire. During the extinguishing process, a second wave of attacks forced emergency crews to temporarily halt operations. No injuries were reported.
Ternopil Region: Industrial Site Under Fire
A major industrial facility was targeted in the Ternopil region. More than 68 firefighters and 16 firefighting units responded to contain the blaze. The fire was successfully localized.
Khmelnytskyi Region: Civilian Deaths
In Khmelnytskyi, four civilians were killed and five others injured following a strike on residential areas. Six homes were destroyed and over 20 sustained varying degrees of damage.
Zhytomyr Region: Three Children Among the Dead
One of the most tragic incidents occurred in Zhytomyr, where three children aged 8, 12, and 17 were killed. Twelve others were injured and hospitalized. In the Berdychiv district, a five-story residential building and several private structures were damaged.
Zelensky Condemns Attacks, Calls for Sanctions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the airstrikes as “terrorist attacks” and reiterated calls for increased international sanctions against Russia. “The silence of the global community only encourages further aggression,” he said in a statement.
Ukrainian Air Force: Attack Breakdown
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, the Russian offensive involved:
- 9 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles
- 55 Kh-101 and Kalibr cruise missiles
- 1 Kh-22 cruise missile
- 4 Kh-59/69 guided air missiles
- 298 Shahed-type kamikaze drones
Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted 45 cruise missiles and 266 drones, preventing even greater destruction.
A Humanitarian and Strategic Crisis
As Ukraine assesses the full toll of the strike, emergency services continue to comb through rubble and restore basic services. The mass attack has sparked renewed calls from Ukrainian officials for additional Western air defense systems and stronger sanctions against Russia.
This latest escalation serves as a chilling reminder that, despite diplomatic efforts, the war’s intensity continues to grow. For civilians across Ukraine, another night of terror has left lasting scars.
