Kyiv: Russian forces launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv overnight, killing at least eight people and injuring several others, according to Ukrainian officials.
The strikes targeted multiple districts across the capital, damaging residential buildings, public infrastructure and emergency facilities. Authorities said rescue operations were continuing as emergency crews searched through damaged structures.
The overnight bombardment triggered explosions across the city as Ukrainian air defence systems attempted to intercept incoming drones and missiles. Fires broke out in several neighbourhoods, while a hotel, residential buildings and an ambulance station were among the sites damaged. Officials said children were among the casualties, and at least one person remained in critical condition.
❗️ Uwaga. W związku z aktywnością lotnictwa dalekiego zasięgu Federacji Rosyjskiej, wykonującego uderzenia na terytorium Ukrainy, rozpoczęło się operowanie lotnictwa wojskowego w polskiej przestrzeni powietrznej.
Zgodnie z obowiązującymi procedurami Dowództwo Operacyjne RSZ… pic.twitter.com/XH8qEJaeB1
— Dowództwo Operacyjne RSZ (@DowOperSZ) July 2, 2026
The attack came only hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia was preparing a large-scale assault. Intelligence assessments prompted warnings for civilians to remain alert and seek shelter. The latest strike marked the first major missile and drone attack on the Ukrainian capital in more than two weeks.
Daylight revealed widespread destruction across Kyiv, including damaged vehicles, shattered buildings and large craters caused by missile impacts. Firefighters continued working to extinguish blazes, while emergency teams evacuated affected residents and assessed damage to critical infrastructure throughout the city.
The escalation also prompted neighbouring Poland to activate fighter jets as a precaution to protect its airspace near the Ukrainian border. Polish authorities said the move was intended to monitor regional security and ensure the safety of areas close to the conflict, with no reports of attacks on Polish territory. The latest assault comes as fighting continues across eastern Ukraine, where both sides are seeking to gain strategic advantages.
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