Russia launched a major drone attack on Kyiv early Sunday, killing three people in their homes, Ukrainian officials said. It marked the second straight night of deadly strikes on the capital.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed that at least 29 people, including seven children, were injured. Among the dead were a 19-year-old woman and her mother.

Residential Buildings Caught Fire

The drones sparked fires in two apartment buildings in Kyiv’s Desnianskyi district. The attacks forced evacuations from nine- and sixteen-story buildings. Residents recalled thick smoke filling the hallways and said they used wet blankets to block the fumes while waiting for rescue teams.

Air Defenses Intercept Most Drones

Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 101 drones overnight. Of these, 90 were intercepted and destroyed. Falling debris still damaged several sites across the city, worsening the chaos.

Zelenskyy Urges Stronger Defenses

The overnight assault came just a day after missile and drone strikes killed four people in Kyiv. The repeated attacks led President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to renew his appeal for more Western-made air defense systems. He emphasized that Ukraine urgently needs stronger protection to stop Russia’s aerial bombardment.

Russia Claims It Targeted Military Sites

Russia’s Defense Ministry said its strikes were aimed at energy and transport infrastructure linked to Ukraine’s military operations. However, the ministry did not comment on civilian deaths caused by the attacks.

Putin Boasts of Missile Test

In a separate development, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a successful test of a new nuclear-capable cruise missile. Meanwhile, in Russia’s Bryansk region near the Ukrainian border, local officials said a civilian woman was injured when a Ukrainian drone struck her car.