RUSSIA launched a major air assault on Kiev early today, striking the city centre. The attack killed at least 18 people, wounded 48 and damaged European Union diplomatic offices, Ukrainian authorities said.

The drones and missile bombardment was the first large-scale attack on the capital in weeks, as US-led ceasefire efforts to end the three-year war struggled to gain momentum. 

Britain condemned the strikes as sabotaging peace efforts, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas summoned Russia’s envoy to Brussels over the strike on its offices.

Ukraine requested an emergency UN security council meeting on the bombardment and two of Ukraine’s top envoys are set to meet tomorrow with the Trump administration regarding mediation.

The Kremlin said Russia remained interested in continuing peace talks despite the air attack. 

Kiev military administration chief Tymur Tkachenko said four children aged between two and 17 were among the dead and warned the toll would likely rise. 

Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched 598 strike drones and decoys and 31 missiles across the country, most aimed at Kiev. 

At least 33 sites in the capital’s 10 districts were hit or damaged.

Oleksandr Khilko said he heard screams from people who were trapped under the rubble and pulled out three survivors, including a boy.

“It’s inhuman, striking civilians,” Mr Khilko said.

“With every cell of my body I want this war to end as soon as possible. I wait, but every time the air raid alarm sounds, I am afraid.”

Sophia Akylina, whose home was damaged, said: “It’s never happened before that they attacked so close. 

“Negotiations haven’t yielded anything yet, unfortunately people are suffering.”

EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said two bombs landed metres away from the EU Mission to Ukraine. 

The British Council also reported its Kiev office was “severely damaged,” with one guard injured.

Russia’s Defence Ministry said the strikes targeted military air bases and Ukraine’s “military-industrial complex” using long-range weapons including Kinzhal missiles. 

It said: “All designated objects were hit.”

In the other direction, Russian officials said Ukrainian drones struck two oil refineries, sparking fires in the Krasnodar and Samara regions. 

Ukrainian forces have repeatedly targeted energy infrastructure to weaken Russia’s war economy, contributing to fuel shortages and price rises inside the country.