'Everyone who helps Ukraine is defending life' — Zelensky’s emotional plea after massive Russian attack on Kyiv

"The blow was heavy - 90 missiles of various types, many of them ballistic - 36; 600 drones. Unfortunately, not all ballistic missiles could be shot down. Most of the hits were in Kyiv," he stated, adding, "Putin can barely even say the word 'hurrah' properly, mumbling, yet he is still defeating residential buildings with his missiles."

"Today, everyone in the world who does not stay silent, who helps Ukraine, is a defender of life," Zelensky continued. “Decisions are needed from the United States of America, from Europe, and from others. So that this 'old oreshnik' in Moscow utters the word 'peace’."

Two people lost their lives, and 56 sustained wounds in Kyiv due to the strike, according to the mayor, Vitali Klitschko.

549 of the launched Russian drones and 55 missiles were reportedly intercepted by the Ukrainian air force.

The attack follows the Starobelsk tragedy in the Lugansk People's Republic (LPR), where 21 people were killed, and 42 others were injured in a Ukrainian drone attack on a college. Most of the killed were minors between 14 and 18 years old.

The Russian Investigative Committee opened a criminal case on 'terrorism' under Part 3, Article 205 of the Russian Criminal Code.

Ukraine's General Staff claimed that the strikes targeted several military facilities, including 'the headquarters of the 'Rubicon', the Centre for Advanced Unmanned Technologies in Starobelsk'.

At the UN Security Council emergency meeting on Friday, Russia's permanent representative Vassily Nebenzia expressed outrage at what he described as a 'blatant mockery of child victims'.

He also criticised Western responses, which denied the attack despite evidence from Moscow and confirmation from Kyiv. The Russian Foreign Ministry has invited foreign journalists to inspect the scene of the tragedy.