Kyiv, Ukraine – A Russian ballistic missile attack on Kyiv early Thursday morning claimed the lives of four people and left three others injured, marking yet another devastating assault on Ukraine’s capital.
The strike came shortly after an all-clear was issued following an earlier drone threat, catching many residents off guard.
The attack, which caused extensive damage to infrastructure and residential buildings, triggered multiple fires and sent debris crashing into the Shevchenkivskyi and Desnianskyi districts.
Among the impacted sites was the Lukianivska metro station, which had to be temporarily closed due to falling wreckage.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that shattered windows and thick smoke filled building entrances in the affected neighborhoods. Additionally, a water pipeline in the Shevchenkivskyi district sustained damage, further complicating the situation for residents.
According to Ukrainian military officials, Russia launched four Iskander-M/KN-23 missiles from its Voronezh and Bryansk regions.
Ukrainian air defenses managed to intercept two of the missiles, but falling debris from the downed projectiles still caused casualties and extensive destruction.
In the Shevchenkivskyi district, a production facility, several residential buildings, and parked cars were severely damaged.
Beyond Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia also came under fire, with a missile strike targeting an infrastructure facility. While no fatalities were reported, at least 10 people sustained injuries, including a woman in critical condition.
The blast also affected nearby residential buildings, vehicles, and an office complex, underscoring the continued vulnerability of urban centers across Ukraine.
Drone Warfare Intensifies
Simultaneously, Ukrainian air defense units were engaged in repelling a large-scale drone attack. The Ukrainian military successfully intercepted 24 out of 39 Shahed drones launched by Russia, which targeted multiple regions, including Poltava, Kyiv, and Kharkiv.
Despite Ukraine’s defensive efforts, Moscow’s missile and drone barrages continue to intensify, inflicting widespread destruction on critical infrastructure.
In a counteroffensive move, Ukrainian drones struck a Russian oil depot in Tula Oblast, igniting a massive fire at the facility. While Russian state media downplayed the attack, witness footage confirmed significant damage.
The strike on Tula marked another instance of Ukraine targeting Russian energy assets in an attempt to disrupt Moscow’s military supply chains.
Escalation on the Frontlines
Meanwhile, on the battlefield, Russian forces made incremental territorial gains in Ukraine’s eastern regions, focusing on settlements in Donetsk and Kharkiv Oblasts.
Moscow’s troops are reportedly attempting to encircle key positions near the city of Pokrovsk, while also advancing on settlements such as Udachne, Kotlyne, and Zelenyi Hai.
Despite facing mounting pressure, Ukraine’s military remains resolute in its defense, reinforcing key positions and launching counterstrikes against Russian forces.
As the conflict continues into another year, both missile and ground offensives show no signs of abating, leaving civilians caught in the crossfire of a relentless war.
The latest escalation underscores the ongoing devastation Ukraine faces amid Russia’s continued aggression, with each new attack further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis gripping the war-torn nation.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members