Kyiv: Russia has launched one of its largest ballistic missile attacks on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, killing at least one person and injuring seven others, according to Ukrainian authorities.
The overnight assault caused widespread damage to residential buildings, offices, and public infrastructure, while emergency crews battled multiple fires across the city. Ukrainian officials said Russia fired around 40 ballistic and hypersonic missiles, including Iskander-M and Zircon missiles, during a five-hour attack. Air raid sirens sounded shortly after 1:30 a.m., followed by repeated explosions as air defence systems attempted to intercept the incoming missiles. A second wave of attacks was reported later in the morning.
One of the hardest-hit areas was Kyiv’s central Shevchenkivskyi district, where a three-storey building caught fire. Rescue teams recovered one body from the rubble and evacuated several trapped residents. Fires also broke out in office buildings, residential complexes, and a student dormitory in other parts of the city.
The powerful blasts also damaged Lukyanivska metro station, where civilians had taken shelter. Part of the station’s ceiling collapsed due to the shockwaves, prompting authorities to temporarily close the facility. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that at least seven people were injured in the strikes. Emergency services continued search and rescue operations as officials assessed the full extent of the damage.
Russia has intensified its missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent months, placing increasing pressure on Ukraine’s air defence capabilities. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly appealed to Western allies for additional Patriot air defence systems and interceptor missiles to counter the growing threat from ballistic missile attacks.
The latest assault comes as Ukraine faces domestic political tensions, with protests continuing in Kyiv over recent changes in the country’s military leadership. Meanwhile, Ukraine has also stepped up attacks inside Russian territory. President Zelenskyy said Ukrainian drones struck major logistics warehouses in Russia’s Moscow and Tambov regions, claiming the facilities were used to store sanctioned components for drone production and navigation equipment. Russian authorities reported casualties and significant fires following those attacks.
The exchange of long-range strikes highlights the continuing escalation of the conflict, with both sides increasingly targeting strategic infrastructure far beyond the front lines.
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