Russian forces launched a massive overnight missile and drone attack on Kyiv from Wednesday into Thursday, striking, among other targets, residential buildings, according to the authorities of the Ukrainian capital. Poland’s Operational Command of the Armed Forces monitored the situation throughout the night. “The mission of the Polish Air Force, which was scrambled overnight, has been completed. No violations of Polish airspace were recorded,” the Command said in a statement.
Attack on Kyiv
“Nine confirmed fatalities have been reported. Information regarding several additional victims is still being verified, as rescue operations at the sites of the Russian missile strikes are ongoing. Authorities have also confirmed 34 people injured, including at least one child,” Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, wrote on Telegram.
He added that more than 30 buildings across different parts of Kyiv were destroyed or damaged in the attack.
“There were multiple direct hits on residential buildings, and sadly, rescue workers are recovering victims, including the dead, from beneath the rubble. Kyiv residents, do not ignore air raid alerts. The Russians are deliberately targeting residential buildings. Once again, tonight has demonstrated their terrorist nature,” he stressed.
Poland Scrambles Fighter Jets
In response to the large-scale attack, Poland scrambled fighter jets. According to the Operational Command of the Armed Forces (DORSZ), “in connection with Russian strikes on the territory of Ukraine, and in accordance with established procedures, the Operational Command activated the necessary forces and assets under its command.”
“Fighter aircraft began operations, while ground-based air defense and radar reconnaissance systems reached full combat readiness. These measures are preventive in nature and are aimed at securing and protecting Polish airspace, particularly in areas adjacent to the threatened regions,” DORSZ said.
Russian forces carried out the large-scale overnight assault on Kyiv using missiles and drones. Residents reported hearing continuous series of powerful explosions throughout the city. Among the buildings engulfed in flames was a multi-story hotel in the city center.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko wrote on Telegram that a multi-story residential building partially collapsed, trapping residents on the upper floors by cutting off their escape route. In a separate post, he said Kyiv had been attacked with drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles, with a total of 28 targets struck across every district of the city on both sides of the Dnipro River.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russian forces were preparing another large-scale attack. Zelenskyy, who was on an official visit to Ireland on Wednesday, announced that he was returning to Ukraine immediately.