Ukraine burning as Putin blitzes Kyiv after Zelensky’s terrifying 8-word warning
Russian forces unleashed a sustained barrage of ballistic and cruise missiles and drones on Ukraine’s capital in the early hours of Thursday, killing at least 13 people and injuring 86 others in one of the most intense attacks on Kyiv in recent weeks.
Loud explosions echoed across the city for hours as residents rushed to metro stations and shelters following air-raid warnings. Ukrainian authorities described waves of strikes that damaged residential buildings and civilian infrastructure in multiple districts.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the casualty figures and reported damage at 30 locations, with 20 residential buildings hit. Emergency services deployed nearly 500 personnel and 100 vehicles, including a helicopter, to search for survivors and extinguish fires. A paramedic was among those critically injured.
The assault came hours after President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a stark public warning while in Ireland. Citing intelligence of an imminent massive Russian strike, Mr Zelensky said: “Today, I ask our people in Ukraine to be especially careful – stay safe and protect your families and children – be sure to take shelter and pay attention to air-raid alerts in Ukraine.”
In the Shevchenkivskyi district, a hotel and two five-storey residential buildings were damaged. In Desnianskyi, a nine-storey block was partially destroyed, trapping residents inside.
Fires broke out on the roof of a 16-storey building in Holosiivskyi, while in Sviatoshynskyi and Darnytskyi districts private homes and multi-storey buildings were struck, with collapses reported.
Damage was also recorded in Pecherskyi, Solomianskyi, Obolonskyi, Podilskyi and surrounding regional areas, including Bucha, where three people were injured.
Today, we have information about another massive Russian strike – we have relevant intelligence data. And immediately after this conversation, I am returning to Ukraine.
Today, I ask our people in Ukraine to be especially careful – stay safe and protect your families and… pic.twitter.com/cK7GDdYhJ4
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko and head of the Kyiv City Military Administration Serhii Popko detailed the widespread impact on civilian areas.
Mid-assault, Mr Klitschko urged residents: “Remain in shelters amid a furious enemy attack.”
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the night as one of “horror” and appealed to Ukraine’s allies to bolster air defences without delay. Writing on X, Mr Sybiha stated: “The death toll after the attack may rise as the rescue teams continued their work.”
Mr Sybiha firmly rejected Russian claims of retaliation for Ukrainian long-range drone strikes on military and energy targets inside Russia, insisting Ukraine was acting in self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter while Russia remained the aggressor.
The latest assault fits a pattern of intensified Russian strikes on Kyiv in recent weeks, even as Ukraine has targeted Russian supply lines, causing fuel shortages and logistical disruptions.
Mr Zelensky has repeatedly stated that Ukraine is ready for meaningful negotiations to end the war, but accused Mr Putin of choosing further aggression instead.
Rescue operations continued into Thursday morning, with authorities warning that the toll could increase as more buildings are searched.
The attack once again appears to highlight the vulnerability of Ukrainian cities to long-range Russian weaponry and the urgent need for enhanced air defence systems.