At least five people died after Russian ballistic and cruise missiles, along with drones, struck several neighborhoods in Kyiv during an overnight assault. The attack damaged residential buildings, some collapsing partially, and left civilians trapped beneath rubble.
The assault hit the Podilskyi district where a residential building partially fell, and the Darnytsia district, where damage to multistory apartment blocks was severe enough to trap residents. Explosions echoed across the city as thousands sought refuge in underground metro stations, highlighting the growing dangers faced by civilians in Ukraine’s capital.
This wave of attacks came just hours after Ukraine’s president warned that a large-scale offensive was imminent. It follows deadly strikes earlier in the week that claimed dozens of lives in the city. Ukrainian officials have intensified calls for Western allies to supply more advanced air defense systems, particularly Patriot missiles, to restore defenses depleted by ongoing conflict.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that without replenishing Ukraine’s missile shield, Russia will continue its campaign, prolonging the war and increasing civilian casualties. The strike underscores the escalating intensity of hostilities as Kyiv endures frequent missile barrages targeting populated areas.