Russia launched a fresh wave of ballistic missile strikes on Kyiv and several other Ukrainian cities early Thursday, just hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that intelligence reports indicated Moscow was preparing a "massive attack." Air raid sirens sounded across the capital before multiple explosions were heard, forcing residents to seek shelter in metro stations and underground bunkers. The attacks caused casualties and significant damage to residential areas and infrastructure.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that ballistic missiles targeted the capital, with fires breaking out in multiple districts after the strikes. Emergency services were deployed to extinguish the blazes and rescue people trapped under debris. Authorities confirmed at least one death in Kyiv, while several others sustained injuries. Officials warned that the casualty count could rise as rescue operations continued.
The assault extended beyond Kyiv. In Kryvyi Rih, President Zelenskyy's hometown, a Russian Iskander-M ballistic missile struck a residential house, killing six people, including two young girls aged five and twelve. Several others were injured in the attack. Residential buildings in Lviv were also damaged, with dozens reported hurt as emergency crews worked through the aftermath.
Hours before the strikes, Zelenskyy had cautioned Ukrainians about the possibility of a large-scale Russian assault based on intelligence assessments. He urged citizens to immediately respond to air raid alerts and once again appealed to Ukraine's international partners for additional Patriot air defence systems and interceptor missiles, warning that the country's existing stockpiles remain under severe strain.
The widespread missile attacks also prompted neighbouring Poland, a NATO member, to scramble fighter jets and activate air defence systems to protect its airspace amid concerns that missiles or debris could cross the border. Similar precautionary measures have been taken during previous large-scale Russian attacks on western Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continued its long-range drone campaign inside Russia. Russian authorities reported drone strikes on several regions, including Penza, where a warehouse caught fire and hundreds of people were evacuated. Moscow claimed its air defences intercepted more than 250 Ukrainian drones overnight, though these claims could not be independently verified.
The latest missile barrage underscores the continuing intensity of the war, now well into its fifth year. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts and renewed discussions over military assistance from Western allies, both Russia and Ukraine continue to exchange long-range strikes. Ukrainian officials have vowed to strengthen air defences and continue seeking international support as the country braces for further attacks in the coming weeks.
