Key facts
- Explosions were heard in Kyiv overnight on June 28.
- Russia launched a barrage of ballistic missiles targeting the capital.
- Ukraine's air defenses were reported to be active.
- Air raid alerts were activated across central and eastern Ukraine.
Explosions were heard in Kyiv overnight on June 28, as Russia launched a fresh barrage of ballistic missiles targeting the capital. The first explosions were reported just before 2 a.m. local time, with a second wave occurring around 2:35 a.m. Ukraine's Air Force had warned of multiple Russian missiles heading towards the capital, leading to the activation of air raid alerts in central and eastern regions. Local officials confirmed that air defenses were active over Kyiv, and social media videos purported to show several missiles being intercepted. Details on any damage or casualties were not immediately available. This attack follows a limited missile strike on Kyiv on June 25 that injured two people, and a larger combined attack on June 15 that killed five. In response to stalled front-line gains, Russia has increasingly used ballistic missiles against Ukrainian cities. Ukraine's defense against these threats relies heavily on its limited supply of U.S.-made Patriot interceptors.