Night of Turmoil: Russia's Missile and Drone Barrage on Kyiv

In the early hours of Thursday, Russia directed a barrage of missiles and drones at Kyiv, resulting in the tragic loss of 16 lives, including two children, and injuring more than 100 others, according to Ukrainian officials. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in a heartfelt video address, initially reported 14 fatalities and indicated rescue efforts persisted into the evening. The Interior Ministry confirmed that over 1,200 police officers and rescuers were actively managing the aftermath.

Despite Russia's claims of targeting military facilities, the attacks primarily affected civilian areas. A day of mourning was declared in Kyiv to honor the victims. The ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of thousands of civilians since its inception in 2022, with recent rounds of talks in Istanbul failing to reach a resolution.

As international outrage grows, U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to impose sanctions on Russia if no peace agreement is achieved. Diplomats and leaders worldwide are urging immediate actions to pressure Russia into ceasing its military aggression, emphasizing the need for a tribunal to address the grievous consequences of the ongoing conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)