Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, was rocked by one of its most intense aerial assaults in recent months as Russian forces launched a large-scale attack involving missiles and drones, prompting city authorities to issue urgent safety warnings. The barrage, which struck multiple districts overnight, triggered air raid sirens and forced thousands of residents to seek shelter as explosions echoed across the city.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that air defense systems were actively intercepting incoming threats and urged residents to remain in bomb shelters until the danger had fully passed. “The enemy is carrying out a massive attack. Please stay in safe places and do not ignore air raid alerts,” he said in a statement shared on social media. Emergency services were deployed across the city to respond to damage and assist residents affected by falling debris.
According to Ukrainian officials, the attack involved a combination of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and Iranian-made Shahed drones, a tactic that has become increasingly common in recent months. Several residential areas reported power outages, while emergency crews worked through the night to extinguish fires and assess structural damage. Preliminary reports indicated injuries among civilians, though authorities continued to evaluate the full extent of casualties at the time of reporting.
Ukraine’s air defense forces claimed to have intercepted a significant number of incoming projectiles, crediting Western-supplied air defense systems for preventing even greater destruction. Despite this, falling debris from intercepted missiles reportedly damaged apartment buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure in multiple districts.
The attack comes amid heightened tensions as Russia continues its campaign against key Ukrainian cities, targeting energy facilities, transport networks, and civilian areas in what Kyiv has described as a deliberate strategy to weaken morale. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly condemned these strikes as violations of international humanitarian law.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to the overnight assault by renewing his appeal to international partners for additional air defense systems and long-range capabilities. “Every night of terror proves that Ukraine needs stronger protection of its skies,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of continued military and humanitarian support.
As dawn broke over Kyiv, cleanup operations were underway, with emergency workers clearing debris and restoring essential services. Schools and public transport faced disruptions, while authorities urged residents to remain cautious in case of further attacks.
The latest strike underscores the persistent threat facing Ukraine’s capital and the resilience of its residents, who continue to endure daily uncertainty while the conflict shows no signs of abating.
