Russia launches one of largest aerial assaults on Ukraine as White House, Zelensky respond

The overnight bombardment marked Moscow’s second-largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the war began.

(CNN)- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday that President Donald Trump was “not happy” but “not surprised” by Russia’s latest massive attack on Ukraine, calling it part of a war that has dragged on for years.

The overnight bombardment marked Moscow’s second-largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the war began. Ukrainian officials reported at least 21 people killed, including four children. Buildings belonging to the European Union and the British Council were among those damaged.

Rescue operations stretched into the morning, with hundreds of responders deployed across Kyiv. Residents shared harrowing accounts of the destruction.

“I looked up. The roof was gone, and the floors from the fourth to the first were completely destroyed,” said Kyiv resident Vitaliy Protsiuk. “As of now, my wife hasn’t been found.”

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its forces targeted “military-industrial complex enterprises and military air bases.” But Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko accused Moscow of deliberately striking civilians. “This attack, it’s one of the examples of Russian… Russian country is terrorist country, destroyed civilians,” he said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky echoed that message, saying the strike underscored that Russia’s goals remain unchanged. “In Washington, we heard that Putin is supposedly ready to end the war,” Zelensky said. “But he chooses ballistics instead of any real steps towards peace.”