Russia launched a large-scale attack on Kyiv using waves of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. The strikes, which took place overnight and into Thursday morning, triggered multiple loud explosions across the Ukrainian capital.
The assault killed at least 13 people and wounded dozens, including children. Russian forces hit residential buildings and civilian infrastructure, causing significant damage. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that the attack triggered a fire on the roof of a hotel on central Shevchenko Boulevard. Many residents were forced to take shelter in metro stations as the city defended against the onslaught.
The attack followed a warning from President Volodymyr Zelensky, who had stated that Moscow was preparing a massive strike. Zelensky cut short a visit to Dublin just before the attacks began.
The escalation comes as Vladimir Putin reportedly evaluates scenarios for invading Kyiv via Belarus and Bryansk in an effort to capture the capital once again. In response to the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has widened its own campaign of strikes deep behind enemy lines.