Russia Fires Ballistic Missiles at Kyiv, Residents Told to Seek Shelter

Russia launched a ballistic missile attack on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, in the early hours of Thursday, prompting authorities to urge residents to seek immediate shelter as explosions were reported across the city. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the attack in a post on Telegram, stating that ballistic missiles were targeting the capital. Witnesses reported hearing multiple explosions, underscoring the continuing intensity of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

According to Mayor Klitschko, several non-residential sites in Kyiv caught fire as a result of the missile strikes. Emergency services were deployed to assess the damage and respond to the fires, while officials advised residents to remain in shelters until the threat had passed. At the time of reporting, authorities had not released information regarding casualties or the full extent of the destruction caused by the attack.

The strikes came a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that intelligence suggested Russia was preparing a large-scale assault on Ukraine. His remarks highlighted growing concerns over an escalation in missile attacks targeting Ukrainian cities, despite ongoing international diplomatic efforts aimed at supporting Ukraine's defence capabilities against Russian aggression.

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Speaking after returning from the United States, Zelensky stressed that Ukraine's security depends heavily on continued military assistance from its allies, particularly in the field of air defence. He said U.S. President Donald Trump had agreed to provide Ukraine with licences related to Patriot missile systems, which Kyiv considers essential for intercepting incoming ballistic and cruise missiles and strengthening its defensive capabilities.

The latest attack adds to a series of Russian missile and drone strikes that have repeatedly targeted Ukrainian infrastructure and urban centres since the conflict began. Kyiv has remained one of the primary targets during periods of intensified military activity, with authorities frequently activating air raid alerts and urging civilians to take refuge in underground shelters and metro stations during attacks.

The renewed strikes are expected to heighten international concern over the security situation in Ukraine as the war continues with no immediate resolution in sight. Ukrainian officials have consistently called for increased military and air defence support from partner nations, arguing that advanced missile defence systems remain critical to protecting civilians and vital infrastructure from ongoing Russian aerial attacks.

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