Kyiv came under heavy aerial attack early Friday morning as a wave of Russian missiles and drones struck multiple parts of the Ukrainian capital, igniting fires and damaging infrastructure. According to city officials, the attack marked one of the most intense bombardments in recent weeks, further escalating the already dire security situation in the region.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the strikes in a statement posted on social media, reporting that fires had broken out in residential and industrial areas following the explosions. “Kyiv is under attack. Emergency services are working on the ground. We are assessing the extent of the damage,” Klitschko wrote.
Initial reports from Ukraine’s Air Force indicate that the assault included both cruise missiles and Iranian-made Shahed drones. Air defense systems were activated across the city and surrounding areas, and several interceptions were reported. However, multiple projectiles managed to penetrate the city’s defenses, causing significant damage.
The Ukrainian Interior Ministry said that emergency crews had responded to fires in at least three city districts. There were no immediate reports of fatalities, but several injuries have been confirmed. Local authorities urged residents to stay in shelters and avoid the affected zones until further notice.
This latest barrage follows a string of recent attacks targeting energy infrastructure, military facilities, and urban centers across Ukraine. The Ukrainian government condemned the strikes as another act of “terror against civilians,” accusing Russia of deliberately trying to break civilian morale.
Russia has not publicly commented on the attack, but similar previous strikes have been framed by Moscow as responses to Ukrainian drone incursions or sabotage attempts inside Russian territory.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a brief statement, condemned the attack and vowed retaliation. “Russia’s terror continues, but so does our resistance. We will respond where and when it hurts them most,” he said.
The attack comes at a sensitive time, as Ukraine prepares for an expected escalation along the eastern front and as international allies debate additional arms shipments and financial assistance. NATO officials have warned that Russia may be ramping up its aerial campaigns to weaken Ukrainian infrastructure ahead of a potential summer offensive.
Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies have expressed concern about the impact of continued attacks on Ukraine’s urban centers, particularly with regard to heating, electricity, and emergency medical services.
As Kyiv residents clear debris and assess the damage, the attack serves as another stark reminder that despite diplomatic discussions and shifting battlefield lines, the war continues to inflict daily danger and destruction on Ukraine’s civilian population.
Source: Reuters
