Russia striking Kyiv with ballistic missiles after Zelensky warning
Qwenews.com – Russia striking Kyiv with ballistic missiles has intensified as Ukrainian forces reported a new wave of attacks early Thursday local time. The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that missiles were heading toward the capital and other major cities, following President Volodymyr Zelensky’s earlier alert that Moscow was preparing a “massive attack.” According to the air force, in addition to ballistic missile strikes on Kyiv, the cities of Dnipro and Kryvyi Rih were also targeted. After the initial wave of attacks subsided, officials reported that “more ballistic missiles” were still flying toward the Ukrainian capital. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko emphasized that “the threat of further attacks remains,” urging residents to remain in shelters for safety.
Civilian response and shelter preparations
Social media videos captured scenes of families seeking refuge in crowded Kyiv metro stations. Many people were seen bedding down on the floor beneath blankets or inside small tents as they waited out the missile strikes. These images emerged just hours after President Zelensky announced that he had received a report from the Ukrainian Air Force indicating that Russia was preparing a “massive attack” on all regions of the country. “There is a high probability that the strike will be carried out tonight,” Zelensky said in his warning to the public.
International diplomacy and defense requests
The attacks come a day after Zelensky met with US President Donald Trump at the White House. During their meeting, the Ukrainian president asked for additional air defense systems to help protect his country against Russian attacks. This diplomatic effort underscores Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its defensive capabilities amid the continued conflict. The timing of the missile strikes suggests they may be connected to broader Russian military operations in the region.
Developing situation and ongoing threat
Ukrainian authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as more information becomes available. The air force has been tracking the trajectory of incoming missiles and coordinating responses across multiple cities. Residents in Kyiv, Dnipro, and Kryvyi Rih have been advised to stay alert and follow official guidance regarding shelter locations. The ballistic missile attacks represent a significant escalation in recent days, with multiple targets hit in a relatively short timeframe.
This is a developing story and will be updated as new information emerges. Jonny Hallam contributed to this report.

