At least 17 people were killed after Russia launched its biggest aerial assault on Kyiv since the start of the war, in a devastating overnight barrage of drones and missiles that tore through residential neighbourhoods.

According to Channels Television, citing AFP, the large-scale attack began late Wednesday and continued into the early hours of Thursday, with explosions shaking multiple parts of the Ukrainian capital as residents rushed into shelters and underground metro stations.

Russia fired 496 drones and 74 missiles, including ballistic projectiles, according to Ukrainian Air Force. Ukrainian authorities said air defence systems intercepted 476 drones and 48 missiles, but several strikes still caused severe destruction across the city.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko described the barrage as the most massive attack on the capital since Russia’s full-scale invasion began more than four years ago.

Apartment buildings were ripped apart in multiple districts, leaving families trapped under rubble as emergency workers searched for survivors. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with smoke covering the skyline and residents fleeing with children and pets.

Volodymyr Zelensky urged allies to urgently strengthen Ukraine’s air defence capabilities, stressing the need for additional Patriot missile systems and licences to manufacture the missiles domestically.

“Air defence supplies for Ukraine are an absolute and critical priority,” Zelensky said, while also appealing to the United States for support in boosting missile production.

The attack forced around 52,000 people, including 4,500 children, to seek shelter in Kyiv’s metro system, marking one of the highest shelter counts in recent years.

Meanwhile, the European Union signalled a tougher response. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said fresh sanctions against Moscow would be proposed following the deadly strike.

Despite growing international pressure, the Kremlin signalled no change in strategy. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia would continue increasing pressure on Ukraine to achieve its military objectives.

The latest escalation comes as diplomatic efforts led by the United States to end the conflict remain stalled, while both sides intensify attacks deep into each other’s territory.