On Wednesday morning, blasts were heard across Kyiv following a missile attack by Russia, the first such assault on the Ukrainian capital since August. Officials have urged residents to seek shelter, and while the full impact is not yet clear, the strike reportedly involved ballistic missiles and missiles launched by strategic bombers.
Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine's presidential office, confirmed the missile attack on Telegram, warning that air defenses were actively responding. Mayor Vitali Klitschko also reported a drone still flying over central Kyiv as explosions continued.
Kyiv has been enduring frequent drone attacks nearly every night, triggering air raid alerts that disrupt sleep for many. Residents have been anxiously anticipating a major strike as winter draws near, concerned about potential blackouts due to damage to the already strained energy grid.
Around 100 residents, including children and elderly individuals, took refuge in the Universitet metro station in central Kyiv. Mykyta, a young college student, described how his mornings have been ruined by the constant attacks, leaving him exhausted and reliant on energy drinks to cope.
The last major missile assault on Kyiv took place on August 26, involving over 200 drones and missiles, which targeted energy infrastructure and claimed seven lives across the country.
