UPDATE 2 - Death toll from Russian attack on Kyiv rises to 12

UPDATES WITH NEW DEATH TOLL, CHANGES HEADER, DECK, LEDE

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – At least 12 people, including three children, were killed in a Russian attack on Kyiv early Thursday, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Timur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration (KMVA), said the number of deaths rose to 12, among them three children aged 2, 14 and 17.

“The number of people killed as a result of the enemy attack has increased to 12. Unfortunately, among them are three children,” Tkachenko wrote on Telegram.

Earlier, officials reported 10 deaths and 48 injuries. The KMVA said the overall casualty figure stood at 48 as of 9.34 am local time (0634GMT).

The Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office said the consequences of the morning strike were recorded in eight districts of the capital, including Darnytskyi, Dniprovskyi, Solomyanskyi, Shevchenkivskyi, Holosiivskyi, Obolonskyi, Svyatoshynskyi and Desnyanskyi.

In the Darnytskyi district, part of a five-story residential building was destroyed, and rescue operations are underway to search for people trapped under the rubble. Windows in nearby high-rise buildings were shattered, cars were damaged, and private homes sustained destruction, according to the prosecutor’s office.

Meanwhile, Katarina Mathernova, the European Union’s ambassador to Ukraine, confirmed that the EU Delegation building in Kyiv was severely damaged by the shock wave.

“Russia’s ‘peace’ last night: a massive strike on Kyiv with drones and ballistic missiles … The EU Delegation was severely damaged by the shock wave. This is Moscow’s true answer to peace efforts,” she said on social media platform X.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier confirmed the attack, saying first responders were still clearing the rubble of a destroyed residential building and warning that people might remain trapped.

“Another massive attack against our cities and communities. Killings again. Tragically, at least 8 people have already been confirmed dead,” Zelenskyy said on X before the updated figures were released.

He accused Moscow of rejecting diplomacy, stressing: “These Russian missiles and attack drones today are a clear response to everyone in the world who, for weeks and months, has been calling for a ceasefire. Russia chooses ballistics instead of the negotiating table.”

Zelenskyy called for reactions from countries including China and Hungary, saying the death of children should prompt strong responses.

He also urged “new, tough sanctions against Russia for everything it is doing.”