Early Thursday, Russian missile and drone attacks struck multiple districts across Kyiv early Thursday morning, killing at least four and injuring many more according to Ukrainian officials. These attacks started shortly before dawn and targeted residential neighbourhoods and critical infrastructure sites for one of the most intense bombardments ever experienced by Kyiv in recent weeks.
Local authorities reported that emergency services were dispatched rapidly following the initial explosions. Residential buildings across several districts sustained substantial damage, necessitating evacuations as firefighters battled blazes and searched for survivors. Kyiv’s mayor reported that emergency crews are currently assessing the full scope of destruction incurred; at least three civilian casualties have been recorded by emergency crews so far.
Ukrainian State Emergency Service officials reported that several individuals died as a result of being trapped inside their residential block when part of it collapsed due to missile strike damage, while many more suffered smoke inhalation or shrapnel wounds requiring hospital treatment. Hospitals across Kiev were put on high alert while additional staff was mobilized in preparation for patient influx.
Ukraine’s military officials said the strikes were part of an overnight assault which included ballistic missiles and explosive drones launched from across Ukraine into cities across the country. Air defence systems intercepted some projectiles but authorities confirmed some managed to breach defence lines due to its scale and speed of attack.
Kyiv’s mayor strongly denounced the strikes, calling them another instance of ongoing civilian risks during this conflict. He strongly encouraged residents to continue following air raid alerts and seek shelter when warnings are activated.
The attack caused havoc to electricity and heating services across several areas of the capital as engineers attempted to restore damaged power lines and repair substations damaged during bombardment. Public transportation services experienced temporary delays; while authorities advised residents living near affected districts to limit travel so emergency crews can operate unhindered.
Analysts noted that the strikes, occurring early morning hours, appeared consistent with recent patterns aimed at overpowering air defences and hitting essential services in Kyiv. Although numerous attempts at striking have failed recently, Ukrainian defence systems have mitigated many attempted strikes effectively.
As soon as the attack took place, international reactions started coming quickly. Foreign officials expressed grave concern at civilian casualties, with several calling for noncombatants’ protection and humanitarian organizations emphasizing ongoing danger to residents living near conflicts affected by them.
Ukrainian authorities reported that updates would continue as teams worked to clear debris and inspect damaged buildings. Search and rescue operations were expected to continue throughout the day, with officials warning of increasing casualty numbers if victims were discovered underneath debris piles.
Kyiv residents face renewed uncertainty following this morning’s attack as emergency crews work to calm the situation and restore essential services disrupted by recent strikes.