• Russian missile and drone strikes on Kyiv kill at least 18, including children.
• Nearly 100 buildings damaged amid the assault in various districts.
• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy denounces attacks as a rejection of peace negotiations.
• Western leaders call for stronger sanctions against Russia following the assault.
• Diplomatic meetings are set for discussions with the Trump administration amid heightened military actions.

Early on Thursday, Kyiv experienced a severe aerial assault from Russian forces, with reports indicating at least 18 fatalities, including four children, and approximately 48 injuries, according to local officials. This attack marks one of the most significant military operations against the Ukrainian capital in recent weeks, occurring amid faltering diplomatic negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict, as noted by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He condemned Russia's actions, stating, "Russia chooses ballistics instead of the negotiating table," as reported by NPR, Reuters, and L.A. Times.

The city’s military administration reported extensive damage, with strikes affecting 33 locations across all ten districts. Images of destruction showed a five-story residential building impacted, as rescue teams worked tirelessly to locate survivors amid the ruins. Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed that some victims were still trapped under debris, highlighting the urgent need for assistance, as covered by Africanews, Reuters, and South China Morning Post.

As the aftermath of the attacks unfolded, Ukrainian authorities reiterated their demands for increased sanctions against Russia, citing the attack as evidence of Moscow's intentional escalation of violence. Western leaders, including President Donald Trump, expressed concerns about Russia's reluctance to engage meaningfully in peace negotiations. "If we don’t see action from Russia, we will think of other measures," Trump indicated, as reported by Reuters, Newsweek, and ABC News.

In light of the devastation, the European Union and United Kingdom condemned the strikes against their diplomatic missions as well, asserting that such actions exacerbate existing tensions. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s chief diplomat, stated, "No diplomatic mission should ever be a target." The growing calls for stronger international responses are echoed by Ukrainian officials who continue to plead for assertive actions against the Russian incursions, in a bid to protect Ukrainian sovereignty, as noted by BBC, TRT World, and India Times.