Russian Airstrike Kills 12 in Ukraine, Including Three Children, as Rescue Teams Search for Survivors
Russian forces launched a massive aerial assault on Ukrainian cities overnight, firing 367 drones and missiles in what officials are calling the largest attack of the war so far. The bombardment killed at least 12 people and injured dozens more, with three children among the dead in the northern region of Zhytomyr, local authorities reported. Rescue teams are still searching through rubble for survivors as the full toll continues to emerge.
The attack, which targeted multiple cities including the capital Kyiv, underscores Moscow’s intensified campaign against Ukraine in recent months. Aided by large numbers of jet-powered drones and Ukraine’s weakened air defenses, Russia is now striking major Ukrainian cities much more frequently, sending civilian casualties soaring. The town of Kostiantynivka, a key military hub due to its proximity to other strategic centers, was among the areas hit. More than 20 people remained hospitalized on Saturday, according to Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.
The escalation comes as diplomatic efforts to end the more than four-and-a-half-year conflict remain deadlocked. On Friday, a diesel deal was announced as US, Ukrainian, and European officials met in Miami for a renewed push to broker peace. Meanwhile, President Biden emphasized the importance of international support for Ukraine. “It is critical that the world continues to stand with Ukraine at this important moment and that we not ignore Russian aggression,” Biden said, noting he would meet with Volodymyr Zelensky during an upcoming summit “to make clear our support for Ukraine is unshakeable.”
As rescue operations continue, the international community faces mounting pressure to respond to the deadliest attack in recent memory. The strike highlights the urgent need for strengthened air defenses and sustained diplomatic engagement to prevent further civilian tragedies.
Shimanta Das 
