At least one person was killed and 11 others injured in a major Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv overnight, Ukrainian officials reported. The assault rocked buildings across the capital, prompting evacuations and leaving some individuals trapped under rubble.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated that some people remained trapped under the debris of a collapsed nine-story building. Damage was also reported at an ambulance station, critically injuring at least one individual.
Hours before the strikes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had warned that Russia was preparing for a "massive" attack. Zelenskyy reportedly cut short a visit to Dublin after receiving fresh intelligence indicating Moscow's plans to strike Kyiv.
The overnight raid marked the first major attack on the Ukrainian capital in over two weeks. Tracer fire from air defense systems was visible in the night sky as explosions from drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles echoed through the city. Multiple fires broke out across Kyiv.
In response to the heightened tensions, Poland activated its fighter jets to patrol its airspace. The Polish military described the move as a "preventative" measure aimed at securing and protecting its airspace, particularly in areas near the threatened regions. Poland is a member of NATO, and its actions underscore the alliance's commitment to collective defense under Article 5, although no attacks on Polish territory were reported.