Russian missile barrage hits Kyiv; at least 5 killed

A large barrage of Russian missiles struck Kyiv, killing and wounding several people and triggering widespread power outages across the city, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack involved multiple waves of missiles and drones launched from Russia.

The strikes began around 3 a.m. local time on Friday, with several waves that included ballistic missiles, the Ukrainian Air Force said. Ukrainian officials said the attack also involved drones.

Loud explosions were heard across Kyiv during the strikes, which briefly caused near citywide power outages. Kyiv’s city administration said the strikes damaged “critical infrastructure.”

Tymur Tkachenko, head of the city’s military administration, said in preliminary reports that at least five people were killed and another 17 were wounded.

Images from the aftermath showed fires in high-rise residential buildings, though the full extent of the damage was not immediately known. Russian Telegram channels claimed the Kyiv Thermal Power Plant was targeted.

The attack followed a warning issued earlier by the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, which said it had received information about a potentially significant air attack that could occur at any time over the coming days.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also warned citizens ahead of the strikes. “Another massive Russian attack may happen tonight. It is important to pay attention to air raid alerts and go to shelters when necessary.”

Ukrainian officials said the attack may not be over and urged residents to continue monitoring air raid alerts and sirens.