Russia launched a massive aerial assault on Kyiv overnight, killing at least 21 and injuring 86, in what Moscow described as retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on its energy infrastructure. The barrage, utilizing hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, was one of the war's deadliest attacks on the capital, damaging numerous residential buildings and a central hotel.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who cut short a visit to Ireland, blamed allied delays in delivering promised air defense systems for the scale of destruction. He stated, "If our partners had delivered on their promises in a timely manner, I think we could have saved more homes and lives today."

The attack occurred as Ukrainian commanders reported Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered new offensive operations towards Kyiv from Belarusian territory. Separately, Poland's defense minister accused Ukraine of failing to deliver promised drone technology despite significant Polish military support, straining relations between the allies.