NEW DELHI: Russia launched one of its largest overnight missile and drone assaults on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, killing at least 15 people and injuring more than 50 others, according to Ukrainian authorities. The attack caused extensive damage to residential neighbourhoods, commercial buildings and critical infrastructure, while rescue workers continued searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures.

Ukraine's Air Force said Russia fired a combination of ballistic missiles and attack drones during the hours-long assault. Air raid sirens sounded across Kyiv through the night as air defence systems attempted to intercept the incoming missiles and drones. Despite the interceptions, several projectiles struck populated areas, triggering fires and widespread destruction.

Officials said 14 people were killed and at least 27 injured in the Kyiv region, while one person was killed and more than 24 others were wounded within the capital. Several residential apartment buildings, warehouses and industrial facilities sustained heavy damage. Emergency services also responded to an ammonia leak caused by damage to industrial infrastructure during the strikes.

Search-and-rescue operations continued throughout the day, with firefighters and emergency responders using heavy equipment to clear debris and locate survivors. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as teams searched collapsed buildings.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko and regional officials urged residents to remain in shelters during repeated air raid alerts, as concerns remained over the possibility of follow-up attacks. Power supply and transportation services were temporarily disrupted in some parts of the city due to damage caused by the bombardment.

Russia's Defence Ministry said the strikes targeted military logistics facilities, ammunition depots and infrastructure supporting Ukraine's armed forces. Ukrainian officials, however, said civilian areas had been heavily affected and accused Moscow of deliberately targeting residential districts. Russia has consistently denied intentionally attacking civilians.

The latest barrage comes amid a sharp escalation in long-range missile and drone warfare between Russia and Ukraine. Both countries have intensified cross-border attacks in recent months, with Ukraine increasing drone strikes deep inside Russian territory while Russia has stepped up large-scale aerial assaults on Ukrainian cities.

Ukraine has renewed calls for additional air defence systems and interceptor missiles from its Western allies, arguing that stronger air defence capabilities are essential to protect civilians and critical infrastructure from increasingly frequent Russian attacks.

The attack further underscores the continuing intensity of the more than four-year conflict, with diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire remaining stalled despite repeated international appeals for an end to hostilities.