A ballistic missile attack is underway in Kyiv, the Ukrainian military announced early on Sunday. The capital's mayor, Vitali Klitschko, urged residents to remain in shelters as air defence forces operate to counter the threat.
Immediate Response and Warnings
AFP journalists on the ground reported hearing explosions and observing several flashes in the sky. Klitschko's warning via Telegram highlighted the urgency of the situation, advising citizens to seek safety in shelters.
Recent Escalation in Hostilities
This attack follows a series of strikes in Ukraine. Russian forces targeted Dnipropetrovsk in central-eastern Ukraine and the northern Sumy region a day earlier, resulting in two fatalities. In response, Ukraine launched attacks on Volgograd and Belgorod in Russia's southwest, as well as Horlivka in the Donetsk region, controlled by Moscow, killing three people.
Ongoing Conflict
Since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, near-daily strikes have plagued Ukraine, marking one of the bloodiest conflicts in Europe since World War II. Ukraine has increasingly retaliated with strikes against Russian territories and occupied regions.
Background and Context
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has escalated significantly since 2022, with both sides engaging in frequent and intense military actions. The recent missile attack on Kyiv underscores the volatile nature of the ongoing war.
