Russia has resumed its ballistic missile attacks on Ukraine, targeting the city of Kiev early on Thursday. According to military-linked Telegram channels, up to six repurposed Zircon anti-ship missiles were fired at the city. A reporter heard several heavy explosions in the city, and at least 18 people were injured, including children aged 10 and 12, according to Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
The attacks caused significant damage to various buildings and infrastructure in Kiev. Klitschko reported damage to office buildings, a warehouse, and several residential buildings. Additionally, problems with water pressure were reported in several districts following the attack. A subsequent drone strike caused a fire at an administrative building, Klitschko said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Russia had attacked the country with ballistic missiles, other types of missiles, and drones, targeting civilian infrastructure. The attacks damaged energy infrastructure in the Sumy and Odessa regions, while residential buildings were hit in Kiev and Odessa. Damage was reported in eight regions across Ukraine.
The cities of Dnipro and Zaporizhzhya in southern Ukraine were also attacked with ballistic missiles, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. These attacks are part of a larger pattern of Russian aggression against Ukraine. Ukraine has also launched drone attacks on targets in Russia, according to Zelensky.
Zelensky confirmed that an oil refinery in Yaroslavl, north-east of Moscow, and a military airfield in the southern Rostov region had been attacked. Several aircraft and helicopters were damaged at the airfield, Zelensky said. However, these claims could not be independently verified.
Yaroslavl regional Governor Mikhail Yevrayev confirmed that a refinery had been damaged and a fire had broken out, but said the blaze had been extinguished. He described the incident as a major attack in which 65 drones had been intercepted, with no deaths or injuries reported. Rostov regional Governor Yury Slyusar also reported a massive aerial attack, with a fire breaking out but being extinguished.
The attacks had significant impacts on Russian infrastructure, with several Russian airports forced to temporarily restrict operations, according to aviation authority Rosaviatsia. Power supplies were disrupted in several parts of the regional capital, Rostov-on-Don, while falling drone debris damaged residential buildings, according to Slyusar.
Key points
- At least 18 people injured in Kiev due to Russian ballistic missile attacks.
- Russia targets civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, damaging energy and residential buildings.
- Ukraine launches drone attacks on Russian targets, including an oil refinery and military airfield.
