KYIV — Ukraine has pledged retribution after a devastating Russian missile strike on its capital killed at least 12 people and injured over 90 earlier this week.
Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Directorate (HUR), issued a defiant statement on Friday.
“The flags in the capital are now lowered in mourning, but our armed struggle continues — we are strong, and we will ensure that Russia receives the full retribution it deserves,” Budanov declared.
The capital city remains draped in sorrow. Flags across Kyiv have been lowered, and streets are still lined with debris and shattered glass. Thursday’s pre-dawn attack saw Russia unleash a barrage of over 150 missiles and drones, targeting Kyiv and nine other regions.
Deadly Strike Leaves Kyiv in Mourning
The State Emergency Service of Ukraine has concluded search and rescue operations at a residential building in Kyiv’s Sviatoshynskyi district, one of the worst-hit sites. Several lives were lost after a missile directly struck the block, leaving families shattered.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy raised grave concerns following the attack, suggesting Russia may have employed a ballistic missile supplied by North Korea.
“No country in the world should be left alone against such threats,” Zelenskyy urged, calling upon Ukraine’s allies to increase pressure on Moscow.
Tensions Rise Amid U.S. Ceasefire Efforts
Meanwhile, diplomatic pressure is building. Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s team is attempting to negotiate a ceasefire with Russia. The proposed deal would see Ukraine surrender vast portions of its territory to the Kremlin — a move Kyiv flatly rejects.
Reacting to the missile attacks, Trump said the strikes were “Not necessary, and very bad timing,” adding an emphatic plea: “Vladimir, STOP!”
Addressing criticisms that he is pushing Kyiv harder than Moscow, Trump insisted, “We’re putting a lot of pressure on Russia and Russia knows that. Or he wouldn’t be talking right now.”
Yet, Ukrainian officials remain sceptical. One senior figure involved in the negotiations, speaking anonymously to POLITICO, accused Trump’s team of inconsistency.
“He rushes and pushes because he wants to get a deal [by] 100 days in office anniversary,” the official said.
The source went further, highlighting the lack of clarity from Washington: “The problem is that Americans say something publicly and put pressure on Ukraine, but they don’t say directly what exactly they want. What territories do they mean? They don’t say it directly.”
As Kyiv counts its losses and mourns its dead, the mood remains defiant. Ukraine’s message to Moscow is clear: there will be consequences.
While international talks stir uncertain hopes for peace, the Ukrainian leadership appears more determined than ever to hold Russia accountable for every missile, every attack, and every life lost.
The world watches closely — but Ukraine fights on.
