Ukraine burning as Putin blitzes Kyiv after Zelensky’s terrifying 8-word warning | World | News

Russian forces launched a sustained barrage of ballistic and cruise missiles and drones on Ukraine’s capital early Thursday, killing at least 13 people and wounding 86 in one of the most intense attacks on Kiev in recent weeks.
While city residents flocked to metro stations and shelters following air raid warnings, violent explosions echoed in the city for hours. Ukrainian officials described waves of attacks that damaged residential buildings and civilian infrastructure in many regions.

Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the death toll and reported damage to 30 locations, of which 20 residences were hit. Emergency services deployed around 500 personnel and 100 vehicles, including a helicopter, to search for survivors and extinguish the fires. A paramedic is among those seriously injured.

The attack came hours after President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a public warning while in Ireland. Citing intelligence that a major Russian attack was imminent, Mr. Zelensky said: “Today, I ask our people in Ukraine to be especially careful, to stay safe and protect your families and children, to take shelter and to pay attention to air raid warnings in Ukraine.”

A hotel and two five-storey residential buildings were damaged in the Shevchenkivskyi district. A nine-storey block in Desnianskyi was partially collapsed, trapping residents inside.

In Holosiivskyi, a fire broke out on the roof of a 16-storey building, while in Sviatoshynskyi and Darnytskyi districts, private houses and multi-storey buildings were hit, collapses were reported.

Damage was also recorded in surrounding areas, including Pecherskyi, Solomianskyi, Obolonskyi, Podilskyi and Bucha, and three people were injured.

Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko and head of the Kyiv City Military Administration Serhii Popko detailed the widespread impact on civilian areas.

In the midst of the attack, Mr. Klitschko appealed to residents: “Stay in shelters in the face of an angry enemy attack.”

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the night as “horror” and called on Ukraine’s allies to strengthen their air defenses without delay. Writing to X, Mr Sybiha said: “The death toll following the attack may rise as rescue teams continue their work.”

Mr. Sybiha firmly rejected Russian claims of retaliation against long-range drone strikes against Ukrainian military and energy targets inside Russia, emphasizing that Ukraine had acted in self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, but Russia remained the aggressor.

The latest attack fits a pattern of intensified Russian attacks on Kiev in recent weeks, despite Ukraine targeting Russian supply lines and causing fuel shortages and logistical disruptions.

Mr. Zelensky has repeatedly stated that Ukraine is ready for meaningful negotiations to end the war, but has accused Mr. Putin of opting for further aggression instead.

While rescue operations continued until Thursday morning, authorities warned that the death toll could increase as more buildings are searched.

The attack appears to once again underscore the vulnerability of Ukrainian cities to long-range Russian weapons and the urgent need for advanced air defense systems.