Moscow Launches Missile Assault on Kyiv Amid Escalating Drone Strikes

Explosions erupted in Kyiv around noon on Friday after Moscow launched a series of missile strikes on the capital. Earlier that day, Ukraine deployed hundreds of drones that penetrated deep into Russian territory, targeting facilities such as warehouses of Russia’s largest online retailer, Wildberries.

These exchanges represent the latest escalation in an air campaign, with the front line largely locked in place.

Kyiv residents were warned moments before noon, hearing the familiar sounds of air‑raid sirens and Ukrainian air force alerts.

The Kyiv missile attack followed reports of Ukrainian drone and missile strikes on Russian fuel depots, a defense manufacturing facility, and commercial warehouses.

President Volodymyr Zelensky released footage showing post‑strike fires, including one in the Kirov region east of Moscow. Analysts contend the assault was executed with newly developed Flamingo missiles produced by Fire Point, a Ukrainian defense contractor, as evidenced by video and statements from the company’s director.

Zelensky described the Kirov site as a critical military enterprise producing parts for Russian aircraft and missile systems. Russian officials reported at least six fatalities and 20 injuries from the strike.

The assault on Wildberries marked the sixth such strike since Saturday, hitting a major logistics hub in St. Petersburg. Video footage revealed smoke issuing from the targeted building.

Wildberries chief executive Tatyana Kim confirmed that no employees were injured in the attack. Russian authorities have cited eight deaths in Saturday’s strike and one fatality on Wednesday at Wildberries locations.

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