An airstrike by the Russian armed forces overnight claimed the lives of two people in eastern Kyiv, emergency response services announced early this morning, following an alert issued by the air force at midnight due to the launch of ballistic missiles and the explosions that were heard.
The attack occurred a few hours after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s official visit to the Ukrainian capital; the purpose of the trip was to strengthen the bilateral “partnership” on defense between the EU and the war-torn country.
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An AFP reporter said he saw numerous flashes in the skies over Kyiv, followed by no fewer than six explosions.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported via Telegram on strikes against “warehouses” and a fire in the Svyatoshynsky district, in buildings that “are not residential,” as well as a fire in the Darnitsky district.
Hours later, shortly before 7:00 a.m., the emergency response agency reported two dead and five injured, including a child.
Meanwhile, Kharkiv, a major Ukrainian city in the northeastern part of the country, near the border with Russia, was targeted by attack drones, Mayor Ihor Terekhov announced, referring to strikes on a total of three neighborhoods.
Since June, Kyiv has frequently come under attack by Russian armed forces using ballistic missiles, which, due to their high speed, are more difficult to intercept than other weapon systems. Launches often occur in waves.
The Ukrainian armed forces are facing a shortage of PAC-3 missiles for the U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems, which are essential for countering ballistic missiles.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his intention last week to allow Ukraine to manufacture such missiles under license, though he has not yet discussed the manufacturer.
His Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, confirmed yesterday that production could begin “by the end of 2026” if such a license were indeed granted.
