Russia attacks Kyiv with missiles and drones, causing fires in many areas.
In the early hours of July 2nd, the Ukrainian capital Kyiv was hit by Russian missile and drone attacks, causing widespread fires and injuring at least five people. The intense airstrikes followed an urgent warning from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about a long-planned "large-scale attack" by Moscow.
According to AFP reporters on the scene, more than a dozen loud explosions ripped through the sky over central and eastern Kyiv. Air raid sirens blared continuously, causing thousands of residents, many carrying small children or leading pets, to panic and flee into subway stations for safety.
"Kyiv is under attack with ballistic missiles and drones. The enemy is constantly launching missiles at the capital."Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko issued an urgent announcement on Telegram.
Kyiv's military authorities said the explosions completely destroyed a residential building, damaged a medical facility, and caused several large fires. At least five medical workers in the Shevchenkovskyi district were injured, one of whom is in critical condition.
Ukraine warns of the risk of a large-scale attack.
Earlier on Wednesday, President Zelensky had to cut short his visit to Dublin, Ireland, to return home after receiving intelligence reports about the risk of a large-scale Russian attack.
"I urge people to exercise extreme caution, protect themselves and their families, use shelters, and pay close attention to air raid warnings. This is extremely important,"Mr. Zelensky speaks at the press conference.
The Ukrainian leader believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin had prepared for this operation in advance. Notably, the explosions in Kyiv followed a "double attack" scenario. Approximately 50 minutes after the first explosion in the city center, a second missile struck near the same location while firefighters and ambulances were working, sending debris flying into the air.
The latest Russian airstrike comes amid a surge in long-range drone attacks by Ukraine deep into Russian territory in recent weeks, targeting Moscow's energy infrastructure and military targets. Russia says its air defenses have intercepted hundreds of drones from Ukraine in the past few days.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has lasted more than four years and has become the bloodiest war in Europe since World War II. According to the latest research from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in the US, the war has caused more than 2 million military casualties, with Moscow's forces suffering the heaviest losses. US diplomatic efforts to mediate and end the conflict have so far stalled.
