Ukraine: 16 Dead as Russian Strikes Pound Kyiv

Russia has launched its largest aerial attack since the start of the war, targeting Ukrainian cities for the third consecutive day. At least 16 people, including two children, were killed after a Kh-101 missile struck a nine-story apartment block in Kyiv, leaving 20 others missing and over 30 injured. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that 180 structures were damaged nationwide, with residential buildings heavily targeted in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa. Authorities stated that Russia deployed 1,567 drones since Wednesday, though Ukrainian air defenses intercepted over 93% of them. The intensified bombardment occurred shortly after Russia rejected a ceasefire extension proposed by Kyiv. In response, Ukrainian officials urged the United States and China to leverage their influence during ongoing high-level talks in Beijing to pressure Moscow into ending the conflict. European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, condemned the attacks as evidence of Russia choosing escalation over negotiation. A day of mourning was declared in Kyiv as rescue operations continue amidst the destruction.