Massive attacks on Kyiv following Zelenskyy’s warning – at least eleven dead

 

Felix Wilow 

Published 05:55 | Updated 12:20

Vladimir Putin’s birthday had just begun.

Then, Ukraine came under massive attack.

"This was one of the most heinous attacks," Volodymyr Zelenskyy says in a statement.

The attacks from Moscow continue. Explosions have rocked the Ukrainian capital overnight. Late Tuesday evening, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned of precisely this.

"We have updated information regarding Russia's preparations for a massive strike. I ask you, please, to take care of yourselves and heed warnings about missile threats," he said on X.

Several dead

At 03:15 local time, the blasts began to be heard, according to *Kyiv Independent* journalists on the scene.

"The missiles are falling one after another. At least 10–12 explosions, as far as I can count. It is quite loud in the city center," Tim Zadorozhnyy tells the newspaper.

Others on the scene describe flames and smoke. A fire has broken out in the Darnytskyi district of eastern Kyiv, and two people have been killed in the attacks there, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

Shortly after 05:00, a second wave of attacks occurred, and cruise missiles were also fired at the Kharkiv and Poltava regions, according to the *Kyiv Post*. Five more people have been killed and 26 injured in an attack on a five-story building in the Chernihiv region of northern Ukraine—described by Volodymyr Zelenskyy on X as a "birthday gift to Putin."

"There may still be people under the rubble. Rescue workers are working around the clock at the scene—doing everything in their power to find every single person."

Ukraine's response

Two people were killed in Kremenchuk, and another two in Oleksandrija in central Ukraine, according to Zelenskyy.

"I extend my deepest condolences to all the families and loved ones of the deceased."

In total, twelve regions were subjected to attacks, and at least eleven people have been killed, according to Zelenskyy.

The attacks coincide with Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s 74th birthday.

In recent days, Russia has targeted strategically important bridges in the Ukrainian capital.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirms that Ukraine has responded by attacking four strategic targets in Russia: two oil facilities, a training ground, and "a target in the Black Sea."

Polish and Swedish air forces in joint operation

Following the overnight attacks, the Polish Air Force launched operations within its airspace. They were assisted in this effort by the Swedish Air Force.

"We thank the Air Force of the Kingdom of Sweden, whose fighter jets supported operations to ensure the security of Polish airspace," the Polish Armed Forces wrote on X.

There were no violations of Polish airspace during the attacks.