Ukraine Death Toll Rises in Russia's Massive Two-Day Air Assault on Kyiv

Russian forces executed one of the largest two-day aerial assaults since the 2022 invasion, targeting Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities from May 13 to 15. Authorities reported at least 21 deaths in the capital, with rescue crews searching through the rubble of a collapsed nine-story apartment building in the Darnytskiy district where dozens remain missing. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that 27 people died nationwide during the attacks, which involved 1,567 drones. In Kharkiv, 28 civilians were injured. The violence contradicts Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent claim that the war is ending, a statement Zelenskyy ridiculed as inconsistent with Moscow’s actions. Ukrainian officials urged international partners to maintain support for air defense and increase diplomatic pressure on Russia. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha highlighted that the strikes demonstrate Moscow’s intent to continue the war despite US peace efforts. Meanwhile, Russian authorities claimed one death from Ukrainian drone strikes in the Belgorod region. Kyiv declared a day of mourning for the victims, emphasizing the severe humanitarian impact of the intensified bombardment on civilian infrastructure.