Russian forces launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv early Thursday, wounding at least 11 people and killing one, according to Ukrainian officials. The strikes damaged residential buildings, sparked fires, and trapped residents under rubble in multiple districts.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Russian ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) struck Kyiv overnight, causing explosions across the city. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the attacks, stating that a nine-story residential building collapsed in the Desnyanskyi district, leaving people trapped. Fires broke out in several districts, including Darnytskyi and Sviatoshynskyi, while a medical facility was damaged in the Shevchenkivskyi district.
Deeper Dive & Context
The attack followed warnings from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who cut short a visit to Dublin after intelligence indicated an impending strike. Ukrainian air defenses engaged incoming missiles, but explosions were reported across all 10 districts of Kyiv. Residents rushed to metro stations for shelter as air-raid sirens blared.
Impact and Response
The strikes caused significant damage, including the partial destruction of a residential building and fires in private homes. Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv's military administration, reported damage to an ambulance station and multiple fires near residential areas. Poland activated its fighter jets as a preventive measure, though no attacks on Polish territory were reported.
Background
Russia has intensified its attacks on Kyiv in recent weeks, coinciding with Ukraine's long-range drone campaign against Russian military sites. The conflict, now in its fourth year, remains Europe's deadliest since World War II.