KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, overnight into Thursday. The assault resulted in at least eight fatalities and dozens more injured, as the city was rocked by loud explosions for several hours. The attacks involved the use of ballistic and cruise missiles, along with drones, severely damaging buildings and critical civilian infrastructure throughout the area.
According to Tymur Tkachenko, who heads the Kyiv City Military Administration, the strike killed eight individuals and caused damage to 28 locations across the city, primarily targeting residential buildings and civilian facilities. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that 34 people sustained injuries during the onslaught. In light of the persistent threats, many residents opted to seek refuge in metro stations after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and local authorities first alerted them about the impending attack.
In recent weeks, Russia has intensified its offensive operations aimed at Kyiv, even as Ukraine has escalated its own long-range drone missions targeting Russian military locations and energy infrastructures, which have resulted in significant fuel shortages and disrupted supply lines within Russia. Mayor Klitschko described the situation as an ongoing "furious enemy attack" and urged citizens to remain in shelters for their safety.
Specific areas within the city bore the brunt of the violence. In the Shevchenkivskyi district, five people were reported injured, including a paramedic who was left in extremely critical condition. Damage was reported at a hotel and two five-story residential buildings in that area. The Desnianskyi district experienced significant structural destruction, with people reportedly trapped inside a damaged nine-story residential building, prompting rescue efforts. Meanwhile, a fire broke out on the roof of a 16-story building in the Holosiivskyi district.
Additionally, in the Sviatoshynskyi district, two private residences caught fire, with debris trapping individuals in one of the homes. In the Darnytskyi district, a Russian strike caused six levels of a nine-story residential building to collapse, with further damage reported in another five-story residential structure. Klitschko noted that a 16-story building and additional private homes were also damaged in this area.
Tkachenko detailed that the attack partially destroyed a residential building in the Desnianskyi district, ignited fires near residential buildings in two locations within the Pecherskyi district, and caused a fire adjacent to an administrative building in the Solomianskyi district. Furthermore, extensive damage was recorded in the Obolonskyi and Podilskyi districts as well. Mykola Kalashnyk, head of the Kyiv Regional Administration, stated that five regional districts also experienced damage, although there were no immediate reports of casualties outside the immediate city limits.
The unfolding situation illustrates a significant escalation in the conflict, with civilians bearing the brunt of the attacks. As the Ukrainian government calls for vigilance and preparedness, the impact of the continued conflict remains deeply felt among the populace in Kyiv and surrounding regions.
