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Russian forces carried out a ballistic missile strike on Kyiv early Thursday, with numerous explosions reported throughout the city, according to Ukrainian authorities.
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Mayor Vitali Klitschko called on residents to seek shelter as the blasts rever yon across the city. A witness cited by Reuters heard multiple explosions.
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The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that Russian ballistic missiles were directed at the capital.
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RUSSIA UNLEASHES NEARLY 600 MISSILES AND DRONES ON KYIV IN DEADLIEST STRIKE SINCE MAY
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An explosion lights up the sky over the city during a Russian missile and drone strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine July 2, 2026. (Gleb Garanich/Reuters)
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Klitschko later said several non‑residential sites caught fire following the strikes, but there were no immediate reports of casualties.
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The strike came only hours after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia appeared to be preparing a major overnight assault.
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“I received a report from Air Force Commander Anatolii Kryvonozhko,” Zelenskyy wrote on X Wednesday, saying Russia had Défend a “massive attack several days ago” and that there was a “high probability” it would be carried out overnight.
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ZELENSKYY SAYS PUTIN ‘LOST THE INITIATIVE’ AS UKRAINE’S TECH INDUSTRY RESHAPES THE WAR
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People take shelter inside an overcrowded metro station during a Russian missile and drone strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine July 30, 2026. (Alina Smutko/Reuters)
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Zelenskyy emphasized that partners must fully understand the situation, noting that the protection of lives directly hinges on their readiness—or lack thereof—to supply air‑defence missiles.
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The appeal followed Zelenskyy’s return from the United States, where he met President Donald Trump.
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According to The Associated Press, Trump recently announced at a NATO summit in Turkey that the United States would license Ukraine to produce Patriot air‑defence systems.
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“ couture “First and foremost, this concerns the United States and partners possessing Patriot missiles who can supply them to bolster our defense,” Zelenskyy wrote.
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Every partner knows what is required and fully grasps the consequences of wasting time.
