Multiple Explosions Rock Kyiv as Russia Launches Drone and Missile Assault

Multiple explosions resonated across Kyiv early Thursday as Russia struck the city with a coordinated assault of ballistic missiles and drones, igniting several fires.

Numerous Kyiv residents sought refuge in subway stations, bringing sleeping bags and pets, as warnings of a major assault intensified.

President Volodymyr Zelensky urged citizens to heed air‑raid warnings and remain vigilant, noting on Wednesday evening that intelligence suggested Russia was planning another massive strike.

Shortly thereafter, air‑raid sirens wailed across Kyiv, marking the onset of a prolonged, noisy night for its residents.

Attack drones arrived first; the staccato of air‑defense fire was followed by a powerful explosion near 11 p.m., and then additional blasts. A substantial fire erupted in the city centre, with a secondary blaze nearby.

Mayor Vitali Klitschko urged residents to remain in shelters throughout the night as ballistic missiles entered Ukrainian airspace. Just before 2 a.m. Thursday, another wave of powerful explosions rattled the city, triggering car alarms.

Rescuers hurried to the site of a collapsed nine‑story apartment building where civilians were trapped, Mayor Klitschko reported. Firefighters also battled blazes in at least two districts, including a hotel roof and a residential building.

The full casualty count remained unclear, though Mayor Klitschko confirmed that five medical personnel had been injured.

Ukraine aims to bring the conflict to Russian territory and compel President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the war. Despite growing international isolation, Putin has responded with defiance, refusing to relent.

‘Putin wants to keep fighting,’ Zelensky stated on Wednesday in Ireland before returning home. ‘He must confront conditions that render the continuation of this war impossible.’

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