Russia launched a barrage of drones and missiles on Ukraine overnight into Sunday, killing at least four people, with the capital Kyiv suffering the heaviest assault.

On the outskirts of the Ukrainian capital, a cluster of townhouses was struck in the attack, tearing facades from apartment blocks and scattering debris across the streets.

Within hours, neighbors, aid groups and local citizens began clearing debris, boarding up shattered frames and distributing food and shelter.

Among those leading the response was Svitlana Shtanko who runs a basement café called Navzaiem (You Too).

Following the airstrike, Shtanko converted her café into a refuge, serving free food and drink and giving affected residents a place to stay.

"There are such incredible people in this residential complex," she said.

"They can come to us, make food for the children if necessary, have tea, coffee. Everything is free. Here they can just rest, chat," added Shtanko.

Oksana and Mykola Pastukh were among the residents who lost their home to the airstrike and have since been with other neighbors at Navzaiem.

"I knew that we have very good people, but I didn't expect that many," said Oksana.

"They fed us, gave us food to take with us, we have very wonderful people," she added.

Russia fired a total of 595 exploding drones and decoys and 48 missiles, Ukraine’s air force said Sunday. Of those, air defenses shot down or jammed 566 drones and 45 missiles.

AP video by Vasilisa Stepanenko