In the Flames of the Night: Student Accounts of the Devastating Hit by Russian Drones on a Kyiv Dormitory
On June 17, as Kyiv was already on high alert for nighttime air raids, the first explosions once again sounded across the city. This time—the strike targeted one of the largest educational institutions in the capital—the State University "Kyiv Aviation Institute," formerly known as NAU. Ruthless Russian kamikaze drones hit the student dormitory, causing destruction, injuries, and fear that lingered amid the new surges of a Ukrainian city under attack. From beneath the rubble, not only panicked voices emerged, but also profound confessions from those who survived. According to eyewitnesses, at the moment of the attack, all residents of the dormitory were in their rooms. A video published by "Ukrainian Pravda" captured the scale of the tragedy—windows shattered, furniture damaged, and debris smashing everything around. Student Angelina explained that she and a friend were inside their room and did not believe the warning siren before the strike. "I was lying on the bed, reacted instantly, and covered my head with my hands. My friend was sitting on a chair, turned away from the window—he was shielding himself. We both got injured: he had to be stitched up, I have a hematoma, and issues with my ear and eye. But we were just lucky. If we had been standing there at that moment, we wouldn’t have survived." The student emphasizes that the moment of the explosion was unexpected and terrifying—it is still hard for her to forget the loud bang and the sudden drama of the situation. "We didn’t even hear the warning siren. That’s even more audacious of the enemy. Do not ignore the air raid alerts, stay updated with the news, watch where the rockets and drones are flying from. Our safety depends on our awareness," advises Angelina. Reports indicate that the window destroyed in the strike was shattered, and the room’s interior was completely covered with debris. The students’ published video shows the extent of the damage: broken furniture, damaged walls, shattered glass, and debris—all evidence of the strength of the explosion. Just minutes earlier, the dormitory was an ordinary student residence where young men and women prepared for sleep, and now it is a place of destruction and fear. Another student, Anna, shared her story. She was in the shelter at the time but decided to risk a quick venture outside. "I was lucky—I rarely go to the shelter, but that night I decided to go and see what was happening there. When I returned, I saw the broken window and a pile of debris. It was truly frightening. We must not neglect safety—going to the shelter at the first alarms is our duty and protection," she said. The evening of June 17 became yet another reminder for Ukrainians of the brutality of war. Russia attacked Kyiv not only with missiles and drones but also with treachery and deliberate cruelty. As a result of the night’s devastation, 14 people are known to have died, and over 114 were injured in the capital. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, despite promises and reassurances, Russian missiles again destroyed entire residential buildings. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko urged residents to be extremely cautious and responsible—small metal fragments and debris, remnants of Russian missiles, reappeared in the city. Special attention should be paid to a dangerous metal “set” that could cause injuries and complicate the situation further. This serves as a reminder of the constant need for vigilance and adherence to safety rules during wartime. This night once again confirmed that Ukrainian society must be prepared for any challenge, and unity and caution are our best weapons in the fight for our lives and future. Let us remember: even in the darkest times, human strength and resilience can overcome any crime against peace.