A powerful Russian missile barrage struck Kyiv early Thursday, killing at least nine people and injuring more than 60, according to Ukraine’s state emergency service. Officials described the attack as one of the deadliest assaults on the Ukrainian capital since the war began over three years ago.

The emergency service updated the toll on Telegram, reporting, “According to preliminary data, nine people were killed, 63 injured,” adding that 42 people had been hospitalised, including six children.

Explosions rock the capital

As Ukrainian authorities issued a missile alert, AFP journalists reported hearing explosions across Kyiv. The state emergency service confirmed, “Russia has launched a massive combined strike on Kyiv.”

Five districts of the city sustained significant damage, including fires that broke out in administrative buildings and garages. Emergency crews managed to extinguish the fires, but search and rescue operations continued, with teams still combing through rubble to locate trapped individuals.

“The search for people under the rubble is underway,” officials said.

Residents take shelter amid chaos

In response to the incoming strikes, residents sought safety in bomb shelters. One such shelter, located in the basement of a residential building, housed over a dozen people as the air raid sirens blared, an AFP journalist reported.

Residential buildings also suffered damage from the missile strike, adding to the toll on civilians.

Kharkiv also targeted in overnight strikes

While Kyiv faced a deadly assault, Ukraine’s eastern city of Kharkiv came under attack as well. Mayor Igor Terekhov confirmed that the city was struck by seven missiles early Thursday, and was targeted again by cruise missiles later in the night.

“One of the most recent strikes hit a densely populated residential area… Two people were injured there. The inspection of the sites of enemy strikes is underway,” Terekhov said, urging residents to “be careful.”

Ukrainian officials condemn continued Russian aggression

Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelensky, confirmed that Russia simultaneously targeted multiple Ukrainian cities with drones and missiles.

“Russia is attacking Kyiv, Kharkiv and other cities with missiles and drones right now,” Yermak said.

He strongly condemned the attacks, stating, “Putin shows only a desire to kill. The attacks on civilians must stop.”

Ongoing threat to Ukraine’s capital

This latest assault follows a missile strike on Kyiv in early April that left at least three people wounded. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, the Ukrainian capital has endured intermittent attacks, but Thursday’s strike marks a particularly deadly episode in the ongoing war.

Ukrainian emergency services continue rescue efforts as the nation braces for potential further escalations.