A Russian missile and drone attack targeted a residential apartment building in Kyiv early Thursday morning, injuring at least 11 people and trapping residents under debris, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack began around 11 p.m. local time, with air defense systems engaging incoming threats. Explosions were reported shortly before 2 a.m.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated that people were trapped in an apartment in the Darnytskyi district due to falling debris, and there were fires in private houses in the area. He also reported a fire at a market in the Shevchenkivskyi district and the partial collapse of a five-story apartment building in Darnytskyi.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had warned of a potential large-scale missile strike, urging citizens to stay safe. He indicated that intelligence suggested Russia was preparing for a significant attack. The missile barrage occurred one day after Ukraine conducted long-range strikes on targets in Russia, which Zelensky described as justified retaliation for ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the impact of Ukraine's strikes on Russian infrastructure but vowed to continue military operations.