Russia Launches Major Combined Missile and Drone Attack on Kyiv and Other Ukrainian Cities

In the early hours of April 24, 2025, Russian forces unleashed one of their most significant attacks on Ukraine since the onset of the conflict.

The coordinated assault targeted multiple locations, including Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, as well as several other cities across the country.

Russian Forces Target Multiple Cities in Coordinated Strike

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha confirmed the attack, describing it as a massive missile and drone strike.

According to Sybiha, Russia’s primary goal is to prolong the ongoing conflict, emphasizing that neither weakness nor concessions would deter Moscow’s actions.

Kyiv was rocked by a series of powerful explosions throughout the night.

Local authorities, including Mayor Vitali Klitschko, confirmed the activation of air defense systems, with an air raid alert being issued across the entire country.

The strike was one of the most intense of the year, according to reports from Ukrainian officials.

Russian Missiles Highlight Vulnerabilities in Ukraine’s Air Defenses

One of the most telling aspects of the attack was the use of Kalibr cruise missiles, which highlighted gaps in Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.

These missiles were deployed to target strategic sites, including stockpiles of Western anti-aircraft missiles.

Military analysts noted that the attack demonstrated the continued vulnerability of Ukraine’s defense systems, even in areas far from the front lines.

Semyon Pegov, a military analyst, reported on his WarGonzo Telegram channel that this was the largest strike to date against Kyiv, targeting critical railway infrastructure.

The ongoing use of Kalibr missiles and drones underscores Russia’s strategy to weaken Ukraine’s logistical and defense infrastructure.

Widespread Destruction Across Ukraine

In addition to Kyiv, other Ukrainian cities were targeted by Russian forces.

Kharkiv, for instance, saw missiles and drones aimed at the Malyshev Transport Engineering Plant and the local airport.

Areas such as Zhytomyr, Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, Khmelnytskyi, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia were also struck, with Kupiansk suffering damage as well.

The attack also featured a shift in Russia’s tactical approach.

Pegov noted that the strike began with at least 40 Geran drones launched in waves at Kyiv.

This was followed by ballistic missile launches an hour later, leading to prolonged air raid sirens and fires breaking out in various districts of the city.

While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, the attack has clearly demonstrated Russia’s capability to hit critical targets deep within Ukraine.

Sea-Launched Missiles and Drone Strikes Impact Key Infrastructure

Along with the ballistic and cruise missiles, the Russian forces also deployed sea-launched Kalibr cruise missiles and Kh-59/Kh-69 air-launched missiles in the attack.

Ukrainian air defense systems were reportedly unable to intercept many of these missiles.

The Geran drones also struck Odesa, with key infrastructure, including fuel and grain terminals, becoming the primary targets.

In the southern regions, Mykolaiv resistance coordinator Serhiy Lebedev confirmed that the attack on Odesa was part of a larger effort to target vital port infrastructure.

These moves highlight Russia’s ongoing strategy to disrupt Ukraine’s economic lifelines and key military assets.

The Power of Russian Missile Systems

The Kalibr cruise missiles are among the most advanced weapons in Russia’s arsenal, capable of both ship-launched and air-launched operations.

With a range of up to 2,500 kilometers, the missile is designed for both anti-ship and land-attack purposes.

The missile’s supersonic capabilities make it harder for air defense systems to intercept, allowing it to strike at targets with high precision.

The Kalibr missile, which has been in service since the 1990s, is equipped with a warhead weighing up to 500 kilograms, making it highly effective in destroying strategic infrastructure.

As seen in this attack, the missile’s impact is far-reaching, with devastating consequences for Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.

The ongoing escalation in the conflict serves as a stark reminder of the challenges Ukraine faces in countering Russian military strategies, especially as the war continues to evolve.