8 Dead and Injured.. Russia Launches Deadly Attacks on Kyiv

SadaNews: Russian missile and drone strikes rocked Kyiv early Thursday morning, killing at least 8 people and injuring dozens more, after President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Moscow was preparing for a "massive attack".

Russia continues its missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, since it began its invasion of the neighboring country in February 2022, which has turned into the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II.

This attack came after a warning issued by the Ukrainian Air Force about approaching ballistic missiles near the capital, and following Zelensky's abrupt end to his visit to Dublin on Wednesday after receiving intelligence reports indicating that Russia was preparing to launch an imminent strike on his country.

More than 12 explosions were heard in central and eastern Kyiv, where residents, some accompanied by children and pets, rushed towards subway stations being used as shelters.

Kyiv's military administration chief, Tymur Tkachchenko, stated on Telegram that "the death toll from the Russian attack has risen to 8 people," with 25 others injured, including children, condemning the clear intent to target residential areas and civilians.

Images released by the Ukrainian emergency services following the attacks showed significant damage to a residential complex.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported on Telegram that "Kyiv is under attack from ballistic missiles and drones, and the sound of explosions can be heard throughout the city".

The strikes resulted in one death and 11 injuries, according to the mayor and city authorities in separate statements on Telegram.

Mykola Kolesnyk, the governor of the Kyiv region, stated via Telegram that the attack caused fires and damage to buildings throughout the region, noting that it was carried out using "drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles".

He mentioned that emergency crews were struggling to put out fires that erupted in warehouses and one house in the Bucha area, while other homes, a student residence, and vehicles were damaged in various parts of the region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously announced that he would return quickly to his country from a visit to Dublin after receiving intelligence reports indicating that Russia was about to launch a "massive attack".

At a press conference, he stated: "I urge our people to exercise extreme caution, to protect themselves and their children, and of course their families, and to seek shelter in basements".

He added that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been "preparing for this massive attack against Ukraine for a long time".

In contrast, Ukraine has intensified its long-range drone strikes deep inside Russian territory in recent weeks, targeting energy infrastructure and military objectives.

Russian officials have reported repeated strikes in border areas, while Moscow claimed that its air defenses intercepted hundreds of drones launched from Ukraine over the past few days.