Russia launched a ballistic missile attack on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv in the early hours of Thursday morning. According to Ukrainian officials, multiple explosions occurred across the city.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko called on residents to take shelter after the explosions. Reuters, citing a witness, reported that successive explosions were heard. Ukraine's Air Force announced that Russia had targeted the capital with ballistic missiles.
Klitschko later said that fires broke out in some non-residential buildings as a result of the attacks. According to initial assessments, there were no casualties.
Zelenskyy warned hours earlier
The attack came just hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia was preparing a major overnight assault.
In a post on X on Wednesday, Zelenskyy said he had received a report from Air Force Commander Anatolii Kryvonozhko, and wrote that Russia had 'prepared a major attack a few days ago' and that the likelihood of it being carried out overnight was 'high'.
The Ukrainian leader said, 'It is important that our partners fully understand what is happening and know that the protection of lives directly depends on whether they are ready to help us with air defense missiles.'
Appeal to Trump for Patriot missiles
In his statement following his return from the US, Zelenskyy specifically addressed the US and other partners that possess Patriot missiles. According to the Associated Press, US President Donald Trump recently announced at the NATO summit in Turkey that Ukraine would be granted a license to produce Patriot air defense systems.
Zelenskyy said, 'This primarily concerns the US and partners that have Patriot missiles and can provide them to support our defense.' 'Every partner knows what is needed and fully understands the consequences of wasting time.'
