Thick plumes of gray smoke rose over the Ukrainian capital early Thursday morning as Russia launched a wave of deadly ballistic missiles and drones against Kyiv. The onslaught sent explosions echoing through the city, prompting emergency crews to race toward multiple fires across various districts.
Local authorities reported that several apartment buildings sustained partial destruction, with an unknown number of residents feared trapped under the rubble. Emergency responders worked under intense conditions, navigating the chaos even as subsequent explosions continued to rock the city.
Emergency services confirmed that at least 13 people have been killed and more than 30 others wounded in the assault. The strikes, which began Wednesday night, persisted well into the dawn hours on Thursday.
Residents in Kyiv had been bracing for a large-scale attack. The escalation follows a period of increased Ukrainian pressure on Russia, including long-range drone strikes targeting Russian fuel supplies and Crimea. Many analysts suggested the timing of the bombardment was a response to these successful Ukrainian operations.
The assault began late Wednesday with a barrage of Russian attack drones, followed by the heavy sound of air defense systems engaging targets. Intense fires were quickly reported in the city center, with significant damage visible across several neighborhoods.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko urged citizens to remain in shelters as ballistic missiles entered Ukrainian airspace. Around 2 a.m. Thursday, a series of powerful explosions set off car alarms and sirens throughout the city.
Social media footage showed burning vehicles and apartment complexes. Local officials also noted damage to a market, a hotel, and an ambulance station, warning that the threat of further missile and drone strikes remained high.
Air-raid sirens remained active for over 11 hours, finally subsiding just after 7 a.m.
Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, stated that destruction was recorded in every district of the city, affecting more than 30 locations. He noted that residential buildings were hit directly and warned that the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue.
Many residents spent the night in subway stations, following warnings from President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding a potential “massive strike” by Russian forces.
In a statement released Thursday, Russia’s defense ministry characterized the strike on Kyiv as a retaliation for recent Ukrainian attacks within Russian territory.
While Ukraine continues its long-range drone campaign to pressure the Kremlin, President Zelensky emphasized the necessity of creating conditions that make continued warfare impossible for Russia. Speaking in Ireland, Zelensky noted that despite the escalation, the goal remains to force a resolution to the conflict.
