Ukraine’s main government building in Kyiv has been struck for the first time since Russia launched its full-scale invasion, the country’s prime minister confirmed on Sunday.
Yulia Svyrydenko said the cabinet of ministers building suffered damage to its roof and upper floors after being hit during a barrage of overnight attacks. Flames engulfed part of the structure before firefighters brought them under control.
The strikes killed at least four people across Ukraine, including a baby and a young woman in Kyiv’s Svyatoshynsky district, where a nine-storey apartment block was destroyed. Dozens more were injured.
Ukraine’s air force reported Russia had launched a record number of drones and missiles – more than 800 in total – with nine missiles and 56 drones reaching 37 locations. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the bombardment, describing it as a “deliberate crime” and accusing Russia of seeking to prolong the war while publicly speaking of peace.
Russia’s defence ministry claimed it had targeted Ukraine’s “military-industrial complex and transport infrastructure,” insisting weapons and storage facilities were destroyed. Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko suggested a downed drone may have caused the fire at the government complex, though officials have yet to confirm.
The attack marks a symbolic escalation. Until now, central Kyiv’s government quarter had remained untouched, heavily shielded since the start of the invasion. Witnesses described smoke rising behind Independence Square as missiles streaked overhead.
The strikes also damaged the Kyiv home of Ukraine international footballer Georgiy Sudakov. His family was inside at the time.
