Kyiv Comes Under Fresh Russian Missile Attack as Ukraine Issues New Warning

Kyiv: Russia launched another large-scale ballistic missile attack on Ukraine early Thursday, targeting the capital city of Kyiv. Ukrainian officials said multiple explosions were heard across the city as air defence systems remained active, attempting to intercept the incoming missiles.

What did the Ukrainian Air Force say?

The Ukrainian Air Force warned that more missile attacks on the capital were possible, urging residents to stay in safe shelters.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said a warehouse on the western outskirts of the city was hit by a missile attack. Debris from intercepted missiles fell on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River. Initial information suggests at least eight ballistic missiles were fired toward Kyiv.

The Ukrainian Air Force said in a message posted on Telegram that in addition to ballistic missiles, Russia also launched Shahed drones toward several cities. Several explosions were also reported in the northeastern city of Kharkiv following drone strikes. An air raid alert was also issued for several other areas, including Vinnytsia.

When did the attack happen?

The attack comes amid political turmoil in Ukraine over the removal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov from his post. Shortly after his removal, Russia launched a new attack on the capital.

According to reports, this is the seventh major attack on Kyiv by Russia in July. Previously, on the night of July 14, Russia launched a massive attack using missiles and drones, killing at least seven people and injuring 78. That attack damaged 16 locations in the capital, including a school and a civilian industrial facility.

The previous attack on July 2 resulted in the deaths of over 30 people and the injury of over 100. The July 6 attack claimed the lives of at least 26 people. These ongoing attacks have exacerbated the hardships faced by civilians in Kyiv.