Russian missile and drone barrage strikes Kyiv overnight

Russia launched an overnight barrage of ballistic and cruise missiles and drones across Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, in a strike that lasted several hours. The attack was carried out by Russian forces and targeted the city’s infrastructure, including residential and commercial areas. According to Ukrainian officials, the missiles and drones were launched from positions in eastern Russia and were intercepted by the Ukrainian air defence system, which downed a number of the incoming weapons.

The assault involved a mix of long‑range ballistic missiles, short‑range cruise missiles and low‑flying drones, illustrating a multi‑layered approach to the attack. Ukrainian authorities reported that the barrage caused significant damage to buildings and power lines, and that emergency services were mobilised to address injuries and restore essential services. The Ukrainian defence ministry confirmed that the air defence system successfully intercepted several missiles, but acknowledged that some weapons penetrated the city’s shield.

This strike is part of the broader conflict that has seen repeated missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities since the war began in 2022. Kyiv’s leadership has called for increased international support, while the Russian government has stated that the operation was a response to Ukrainian military actions. The incident underscores the ongoing volatility in the region and the continued use of advanced weaponry in the conflict.