A series of explosions rocked Ukraine's capital shortly after midnight on Thursday following an air raid alert warning of incoming ballistic missiles, as Russia continued its campaign of aerial attacks against the country. The strikes came just hours after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv to reaffirm the European Union's support for Ukraine and strengthen defence cooperation amid the ongoing war. According to an AFP journalist in Kyiv, several bright flashes lit up the night sky before at least half a dozen explosions were heard across the city.

The Ukrainian Air Force had earlier issued an alert reporting the approach of multiple ballistic missiles, prompting residents to seek shelter as air defence systems responded to the threat. Authorities have not immediately confirmed how many missiles were launched or how many were intercepted. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on social media that a warehouse was struck during the attack, while debris from intercepted missiles fell on non-residential buildings in the city. There was no immediate information on casualties or the full extent of the damage, with emergency services continuing to assess affected areas.

Officials urged residents to remain in shelters until the air raid alert was lifted. At the same time, the northeastern city of Kharkiv also came under attack, with Mayor Ihor Terekhov saying Russian combat drones targeted the city overnight. Kharkiv, located close to the Russian border, has frequently been subjected to missile and drone strikes since the start of the conflict and remains one of Ukraine's most heavily targeted urban centres.

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The overnight attacks occurred only hours after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv for talks aimed at deepening defence cooperation and reaffirming the European Union's long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine. Her visit comes as Kyiv continues to seek increased military assistance from its Western allies, particularly advanced air defence systems capable of countering Russia's intensified missile campaign.

Kyiv has faced a sharp increase in ballistic missile attacks in recent weeks. Unlike cruise missiles, ballistic missiles travel at much higher speeds and are significantly more difficult to intercept, placing additional pressure on Ukraine's air defence network. Russian forces have often launched missiles in rapid succession, creating multiple explosions within a short period and complicating interception efforts. Ukraine has repeatedly highlighted shortages of PAC-3 interceptor missiles used by the US-made Patriot air defence system, which is considered one of the country's most effective tools against ballistic missile threats.

Ukrainian officials have urged Western partners to accelerate deliveries of air defence equipment and ammunition, warning that dwindling interceptor stockpiles could leave major cities increasingly vulnerable to future attacks. The latest strikes underscore the continuing intensity of the conflict despite ongoing diplomatic engagement between Ukraine and its international allies. As emergency crews assess the damage and military officials monitor the threat of further attacks, the overnight bombardment serves as another reminder of the security challenges facing Ukraine more than four years into the war.

Also Read: Russian Missile, Drone Strikes Hit Kyiv, Injuring 11 As Ukraine Targets Vessels