Russian missiles struck Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, and the surrounding region early Sunday, killing at least one person and injuring 13 others. The attack also triggered multiple fires and caused widespread damage across the city.
Explosions Spark Fires Across Kyiv
Ukraine’s air force warned of a ballistic missile threat before a series of powerful explosions rocked the capital. Consequently, emergency services rushed to several affected locations.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said fires erupted at a dormitory, an apartment building, and a supermarket. Additionally, several warehouses, office buildings, and other non-residential properties sustained damage.
Parked vehicles also caught fire in multiple districts following the missile strikes. Meanwhile, emergency crews worked to extinguish flames and search damaged buildings.
At one site, rescue workers sifted through smouldering debris and sprayed water on destroyed apartments. Authorities continued assessing the full extent of the destruction.
Emergency Crews Respond As Attacks Intensify
A resident identified as Vlad said a blast tore off his balcony door. The impact reportedly struck him in the head while he remained inside his apartment.
Vlad said he stayed behind because his elderly grandmother could not walk. Therefore, he chose not to leave her during the attack.
The State Emergency Service deployed rescue teams across three districts of Kyiv. Additionally, officials reported that two people were injured in the surrounding Kyiv region.
Military authorities said warehouses in the region also suffered damage during the strikes. Furthermore, officials warned that Russian forces have intensified ballistic missile attacks in recent weeks.
Ukraine has increasingly struggled to intercept such attacks because of dwindling supplies of US-designed air defence systems. As a result, concerns continue growing over the country’s ability to protect major cities.
