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A main government building in Kyiv has been damaged by Russian strikes for the first time during the war, according to reports and Ukrainian officials.
### Why It Matters
A Ukrainian air force spokesperson told The Associated Press that Sunday’s assault was the largest Russian drone strike since the start of the full-scale invasion. The attack also reportedly caused civilian casualties and prompted calls from Ukrainian leaders for additional international military assistance.
### What To Know
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on X that strikes damaged the Cabinet of Ministers building, causing a fire to break out on upper floors. The building houses the offices of Ukrainian ministers.
“For the first time, the government building was damaged by an enemy attack, including the roof and upper floors,” Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko wrote in a post on Telegram Sunday.
Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched a wave of drones and missiles overnight, launching over 800 drones and 13 missiles. Air defenses reportedly shot down and suppressed the majority.
The strikes included 810 Shahed-type attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and various types of drones, nine Iskander-K cruise missiles, and four Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles. Residential buildings in Kyiv were also destroyed, with Reuters reporting three people killed, including an infant, and 18 people injured.
Zelensky said several other regions had been impacted over the past day, including Zaporizhzhia, where more than 20 houses and a kindergarten were damaged; Kryvyi Rih, which saw warehouses destroyed; Sumy and Chernihiv regions; and Odesa, where a residential high-rise was hit.
### What People Are Saying
**Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on X:**
“Such killings now, when real diplomacy could have already begun long ago, are a deliberate crime and a prolongation of the war. It has been repeatedly said in Washington that sanctions will follow a refusal to talk. We must implement everything that was agreed in Paris. We also count on the implementation of all the agreements to strengthen our air defense. Every additional system saves civilians from these vile strikes. The world can force the Kremlin criminals to stop the killings—all that is needed is political will. I thank everyone who is helping.”
### What Happens Next
Ukrainian leaders called for more weapons and international action.
“The world must respond to this destruction not only with words but with actions. We need to increase sanctions pressure, primarily against Russian oil and gas. New restrictions are needed that will hit the Kremlin’s war machine,” Svyrydenko said.
“And most importantly, Ukraine needs weapons. Something that will stop terror and prevent Russia from trying to kill Ukrainians every day.”
**Update: This article has been updated with additional information.**
