Officials reported that Russia launched an attack on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv with drones and ballistic missiles before dawn on Saturday, resulting in the death of at least three people in central Kyiv as part of a larger assault on towns and cities across the country.
The attack triggered air-raid alarms as emergency crews scrambled to search for casualties in a nation that has endured continuous Russian bombardments for nearly three years. Moscow claimed the attack was in retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory, which have reportedly intensified in recent weeks.
The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed the launch of four ballistic missiles and 39 attack drones in the assault, with two ballistic missiles intercepted in the Kyiv region. Although drone attacks on the capital are frequent, ballistic missile launches targeting Kyiv are less common.
The pre-dawn attack caused a water main break near the city center, flooding the streets around the Lukianivska subway station. Nearby, a burnt van with two charred bodies inside was emitting smoke.
Amidst a blaze in an industrial building on the opposite street, firefighters were seen clearing debris from a severely damaged McDonald’s location. Some firefighters focused on removing glass, debris, and insulation scattered on the sidewalk outside the subway station, where residents typically seek refuge during attacks.
Investigators searched for shrapnel in the water, and shopkeepers tried to access the scene amid a police cordon.
Yana, 30, expressed fear over the repeated attacks, stating, “Some things are intercepted, but some always get through.”
Water receded to reveal a large crater in the road as the sun rose. An air force spokesman disclosed that one missile was intercepted at a low altitude, contributing to the extensive damage to the street and nearby buildings.
Ukraine’s air-defense teams spent hours attempting to intercept attack drones above the country, as Russia deploys drones to exhaust air-defense teams and strike targets. Kyiv reserves advanced air-defense systems for cruise and ballistic missiles, which are harder to intercept.
President Zelensky revised the death toll from the attack to three, with three others wounded. A separate strike in Zaporizhzhia killed one person and injured 12 others.
Zaporizhzhia has faced heavy attacks, with a recent strike resulting in the deaths of 13 civilians and injuries to over 110 others, according to Ukrainian officials. Another missile strike in Kryvyi Rih killed five people.
The United Nations reported a 30% increase in civilian casualties in 2024 compared to the previous year, attributing it to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
Mr. Zelensky called for support from allies in response to the Russian aggression, expressing condolences for the victims in Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia.
Zelensky emphasized the need for unity with the world against Russian attacks, highlighting Ukraine’s efforts to bolster its arsenal and target oil and gas facilities inside Russia.
As efforts to clean up debris continued in Kyiv, authorities issued air-raid alerts throughout the day and urged residents to seek shelter. The uncertainty surrounding U.S. military support for Ukraine under the incoming administration of Donald J. Trump added to the tension.
Reporting by Marc Santora, Liubov Sholudko, and Oleksandr Chubko.