Russian air attack sets ablaze Ukrainian cabinet building: All you need to know

Russian strikes were also reported in Kremenchuk, Kryvyi Rih and Odesa, where civilian infrastructure and housing were damaged. Emergency crews were working on fires in several apartment blocks.

By: Express Web Desk

Updated: September 7, 2025 07:28 PM IST

3 min read

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service, smoke rises from a fire at the Cabinet of Ministers building after a Russian strike in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. (AP)

Russia launched its largest air assault on Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began, hitting the centre of Kyiv and setting the country’s main government building on fire, according to Ukrainian officials.

What is happening now?

Three people, including a baby, were killed. The Guardian reported that it was the first time the Cabinet of Ministers building had been damaged during the war.

In Kyiv, smoke was seen rising from the Cabinet of Ministers building after the upper floors and roof were damaged. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed that it had been struck for the first time since the war began. “We will restore the buildings, but lost lives cannot be returned,” she said.

Leaders condemn strikes

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “appalled” by the overnight strikes, calling them “cowardly” and saying they proved Russian President Vladimir Putin “is not serious about peace”, the BBC reported.

“Now, more than ever, we must stand firm in our support for Ukraine and its sovereignty,” Starmer said.

Other European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, also condemned the strikes.

Emergency services are still responding to the aftermath of Russia’s “ruthless” air attack last night, Zelenskyy added.

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