Russia launched a ballistic missile attack on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Thursday morning. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the capital was targeted with ballistic missiles and multiple explosions were heard across the city.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko urged residents to take shelter after the explosions. Klitschko later said that fires broke out in non-residential buildings as a result of the attacks. According to initial reports, there were no casualties.
Attack came hours after Zelenskyy's warning
Russia's attack came just hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia was preparing a major overnight assault.
In a post on X on Wednesday, Zelenskyy said he had received a report from Air Force Commander Anatolii Kryvonozhko, writing that Russia had been preparing a major attack for several days and that the likelihood of it being carried out overnight was high.
The Ukrainian leader said, "It is important that our partners fully understand what is happening and know that the protection of lives directly depends on whether they are ready to help us with air defense missiles."
Zelenskyy asks US and partners for Patriot support
In his remarks following his return from the US, Zelenskyy specifically addressed the US and other partners that possess Patriot missiles. According to the Associated Press, US President Donald Trump recently announced at the NATO summit in Turkey that Ukraine would be granted a license to produce Patriot air defense systems.
Zelenskyy said, "This primarily concerns the US and partners that have Patriot missiles and can provide them to support our defense." "Every partner knows what is needed and fully understands the consequences of wasting time."
