Explosions and Fires Hit Kyiv as Russian Missiles and Drones Strike the City

Multiple explosions were heard and several fires broke out in Kyiv early Thursday as Russian ballistic missiles and drones struck the capital. Residents had taken refuge in subway stations with sleeping bags and pets after warnings of a large-scale attack. President Volodymyr Zelensky had urged people to heed air-raid alarms and be "especially careful" following intelligence that suggested a major strike was being prepared.

Air-raid sirens sounded a few hours later, and attack drones were followed by anti-aircraft fire and a series of loud booms. A large fire burned in the city centre, with a smaller blaze nearby. Mayor Vitali Klitschko called on citizens to remain in shelters as ballistic missiles entered Ukrainian airspace and another wave of powerful explosions occurred just before 2 a.m., setting off car alarms.

Rescuers responded to the collapse of a nine-story apartment building where people were trapped, and firefighters worked to extinguish blazes in at least two districts, including a hotel roof and a residential building. Klitschko said five medical workers had been wounded, though the full casualty count was still unclear.

Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian targets, including long-range drone strikes on Moscow and strikes on Crimea, in an effort to pressure President Vladimir Putin to end the conflict. Zelensky said Putin "wants to keep fighting" and must face conditions that make it impossible to continue the war.