Jakarta, ThedailyID — Russia launched a large-scale missile attack on Kyiv and several other Ukrainian cities early Thursday, killing at least five people and injuring dozens more, according to Ukrainian officials.
The Ukrainian Air Force said Russia fired more than 20 ballistic and cruise missiles toward the capital during the first two hours of the assault.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that five people died in the attack. Meanwhile, 34 others suffered injuries, and 32 required hospital treatment.
The strikes also caused widespread damage across the city.
Several residential buildings caught fire, while the roof of a hotel in central Kyiv was also engulfed in flames. Additionally, part of a nine-story apartment building collapsed after being hit by a missile.
Emergency crews continued search and rescue operations as officials worked to determine the full number of casualties.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned residents about the possibility of a major Russian air attack.
“We know that Vladimir Putin has been preparing a large-scale strike against Ukraine for some time,” Zelensky said on Wednesday, according to the Financial Times.
“That is exactly the threat we are facing tonight,” he added.
The latest barrage came days after Ukraine targeted two Russian oil refineries in Ufa. Ukrainian officials described those strikes as part of a 40-day military influence campaign designed to increase pressure on the Kremlin.
According to Ukraine, the operation aims to push Russia back to the negotiating table and revive efforts to end the war.
Russia and Ukraine have remained at war since February 2022.
Although the international community has repeatedly called for a permanent ceasefire, both sides have continued launching attacks while diplomatic efforts have failed to produce a lasting agreement.
