Key facts
- Russia launched a ballistic missile attack on Kyiv on the evening of June 25.
- Ukraine's Air Force issued a ballistic missile warning.
- Explosions were heard in the capital as air defense units engaged the incoming missiles.
- Information regarding casualties or damage is not yet available.
Explosions were heard in Kyiv on the evening of June 25 as Russia launched a fresh barrage of ballistic missiles targeting the capital. Ukraine's Air Force issued a warning shortly before 9 p.m. local time, and Kyiv Independent journalists reported multiple rounds of explosions. Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that air defense units were engaged in repelling the attack. An aerial alert remains active for Kyiv and several other Ukrainian regions. This strike follows a significant combined Russian attack on June 15, which resulted in casualties and damage to the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. In response to previous attacks, Ukraine had conducted drone strikes on Moscow and its oil refinery. The report notes that Russia has increasingly relied on ballistic missiles for large-scale aerial strikes as its ground gains have stalled, and highlights Ukraine's dependence on dwindling supplies of Patriot interceptors for defense against such threats.