At least 13 people have been killed and dozens injured after Russia launched a large-scale overnight missile and drone attack on Kyiv, Ukrainian authorities said on Thursday.
The strikes, which damaged residential buildings across the capital, came hours after Volodymyr Zelensky warned that intelligence reports indicated Russia was preparing a major assault.
According to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, at least 13 people lost their lives while 86 others were injured in the attack.
Residents sought refuge in metro stations and underground shelters as explosions echoed across the city throughout the night.
Massive aerial assault
Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 496 drones and 74 missiles, including ballistic missiles, during the overnight assault.
The military said its air defence systems intercepted 476 drones and 48 missiles, while several projectiles struck residential areas, destroying apartment buildings and causing extensive damage.
Following the attack, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, appealed to international partners to strengthen the country’s air defence capabilities.
“Do not delay decisions on air defence for Ukraine. This is our main request to our partners after Kyiv suffered a night of horror,” he said.
Zelensky issues warning
President Zelensky had earlier urged Ukrainians to remain vigilant and take shelter whenever air raid sirens sounded.
“I urge our people to be especially careful, to protect themselves, their children and their families; to use shelters and heed air raid alerts in Ukraine,” he said.
Mr Zelensky also accused Vladimir Putin of deliberately escalating the conflict, alleging that Moscow had been preparing the large-scale attack for some time.
Russia confirms strike
Russia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed carrying out what it described as a “massive strike” on Kyiv, saying the operation was in retaliation for recent Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Russian military and energy infrastructure.
In recent weeks, Ukraine has intensified long-range drone operations inside Russian territory, while Russian authorities have reported intercepting hundreds of Ukrainian drones in border regions.
War continues
The conflict, now in its fifth year, remains the deadliest war in Europe since the Second World War.
A recent study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimated that the war has resulted in more than two million military casualties on both sides.
Efforts led by the United States to broker a ceasefire have so far failed, with both Russia and Ukraine continuing military operations.
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