In brief
Russian forces launched a massive drone and missile assault on Ukraine's capital overnight, killing at least one resident and injuring dozens. The strikes caused extensive fires in residential and public buildings, prompting the evacuation of several neighborhoods and the rescue of individuals trapped under collapsed structures. Ukrainian authorities reported 11 injuries, up from an earlier count of six, while flights and jets were scrambled by Poland in a preventative defense that underscores NATO’s collective security commitments. The attack marked the first major assault on Kyiv in over two weeks, with President Zelenskyy warning of imminent threats before abruptly ending his Dublin visit.
At least one person was killed in a major Russian drone and missile airstrike targeting Kyiv overnight. The assault left several neighbourhoods evacuated as the continuous barrage inflicted heavy damage across the city.
The city’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, reported that residents were trapped under rubble from a collapsed nine‑storey building. Firefighters were seen rapidly dousing flames at the site and at other embattled locations.
Poland activated its fighter jets in a "preventative" move to shield its airspace, with the country’s armed forces stating that the operation was meant to guard adjacent regions under threat. NATO’s Article 5, which treats an attack on one member as an attack on all, is now under scrutiny as no direct Polish attacks have been reported.
Observatories in Kyiv heard the crackle of tracer fire from air‑defence systems and explosions from cruise and ballistic missiles. Fires broke out across the metropolis, including damage at an ambulance station that left at least one critical injury.
Officials have updated the injury count to 11 from a previously reported six. This is the first major assault on Kyiv in more than two weeks.
Earlier in the day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cut short his visit to Dublin after intelligence surfaced suggesting that Moscow was preparing to strike the capital.
