Russian Drone and Missile Attack on Kyiv Kills Two, Injures Eleven

Russian missile and drone strikes struck Kyiv and surrounding parts of the Kyiv region early Thursday, killing two people and injuring at least 11 others, according to Ukrainian authorities. The overnight assault came after Ukraine's Air Force warned that ballistic missiles were heading toward the capital, prompting air raid alerts across the city. Residents rushed into metro stations and underground shelters as multiple explosions echoed through Kyiv. The attack affected several districts in and around the Ukrainian capital, causing damage to civilian infrastructure.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that the city was under attack from both ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, while emergency services responded to multiple incidents across the capital. Regional Governor Mykola Kalashnyk said the strikes impacted five districts of the wider Kyiv region. Fires broke out at warehouses and a residential building in the Bucha district, while homes, vehicles, and a student dormitory sustained damage in other areas. Firefighters and rescue teams worked through the night to contain the destruction and assist affected residents.

Witnesses reported hearing repeated explosions across central and eastern Kyiv as the attack unfolded. Thick smoke and flames were seen rising from one impact site, followed by another explosion less than an hour later near the same location, scattering debris into the surrounding area. Emergency crews, ambulances, and firefighters were deployed immediately to the affected locations. Authorities have not yet released a full assessment of the extent of the damage, but investigations and rescue operations remain ongoing.

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The overnight bombardment came shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cut short an official visit to Dublin, citing intelligence reports warning of a large-scale Russian attack. Speaking before returning to Ukraine, Zelensky urged citizens to remain alert, use bomb shelters, and strictly follow air raid warnings. He said Russian President Vladimir Putin had been preparing the large-scale strike for some time and stressed the importance of protecting civilians, especially children and vulnerable family members.

Residents sheltering underground described the emotional strain of repeated overnight attacks. One Kyiv resident, a doctor, said her young child struggled to sleep in the crowded metro shelter because of the bright lights, barking dogs, and noise from other families seeking safety. Similar scenes have become increasingly common in the Ukrainian capital as Russia continues to launch waves of missile and drone attacks. Civil defence authorities have repeatedly urged people not to ignore air raid alerts during such operations.

The latest assault comes as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues into its fifth year, with both sides increasing the use of long-range drones and missile strikes. Ukraine has intensified attacks on military and energy targets inside Russia, while Moscow says its air defence systems have intercepted hundreds of Ukrainian drones in recent days. A recent study by a United States-based think tank estimated that the conflict has resulted in more than two million military casualties since the invasion began. Despite continued diplomatic efforts by the United States and its allies, no breakthrough has yet been achieved in ending the war.

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