Ukraine’s capital comes under ‘massive’ attack; explosions, fires reported across city

Kyiv, Ukraine: Ukraine’s capital came under a “massive enemy attack” early Friday, the city’s mayor Vitaly Klitschko said, as multiple explosions echoed across Kyiv amid intense drone and missile strikes.

“Air defence forces are operating in Kyiv. A massive enemy attack on the capital,” Klitschko posted on Telegram, confirming that two people were wounded in the eastern Dniprovsky district.

AFP journalists on the ground reported tracer bullets fired at drones and the deployment of several anti-missile defence systems as the assault unfolded before dawn.

Fires broke out at multiple locations, including the roof of a five-story residential building in the Solomyansky district, Klitschko said. Emergency services also received several requests for medical assistance from the Desnyansky and Shevchenkivsky districts. Another blaze was reported in a residential building in the Podilsky district.

Moscow, which launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, has intensified strikes on Kyiv in recent months, frequently targeting energy infrastructure, rail networks, and residential neighbourhoods.