Zelenskiy Condemns Russia After Kyiv Strike Kills 24

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday condemned Russia after a missile strike on an apartment building in Kyiv killed 24 people, including three children. The building in the Darnytskyi district was hit on Thursday during what Ukrainian officials described as Russia’s most intense air attack on the capital this year. Zelenskiy called for increased international pressure on Moscow and urged allies to help Ukraine strengthen its air defences.

Rescue operations at the site lasted more than 28 hours, with emergency services searching through about 3,000 cubic meters of rubble, according to Ukrainian officials. Nearly 50 people were injured, and about 400 people required psychological support. Kyiv authorities declared Friday a day of mourning and lowered flags to half-mast.

Zelenskiy said initial assessments indicated the building was struck by a recently manufactured Russian Kh-101 missile. Russia’s Defence Ministry said its forces carried out extensive strikes across Ukraine from May 12-15, according to Russian state media.

Rescue efforts and mourning in Kyiv

City officials said 24 bodies were recovered from the apartment block and that about 30 people were rescued alive. Residents brought flowers and other items to a makeshift memorial at the site. Kyiv authorities said entertainment events were cancelled or postponed as the city observed the day of mourning.

Ukrainian officials described the Thursday attack as the heaviest on Kyiv this year. Zelenskiy said first responders worked through the night and that part of the building was levelled in the strike.

Claims over targets and wider conflict

Moscow denies deliberately targeting civilians, though residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure have been struck repeatedly during the war. Ukraine has also carried out drone attacks on Russia, and Russian officials reported fatalities and damage from an attack on the central Russian city of Ryazan on Friday.

Further developments are expected as officials assess the damage from the latest wave of strikes and as Ukraine continues to press partners for additional air-defence support.