Key facts
- Russia launched a ballistic missile attack on Kyiv early Saturday.
- Multiple explosions were heard in the Ukrainian capital.
- Kyiv's mayor confirmed the missile strike and urged residents to shelter.
- This is Russia's second large-scale attack on Ukraine in 48 hours.
- Kyiv has limited air defense systems capable of intercepting ballistic targets.
Russia launched a ballistic missile attack on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, early Saturday, with multiple powerful explosions heard across the city. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the assault and urged residents to seek shelter. The attack marks Russia's second major assault on Ukraine in less than 48 hours, following a widespread missile and drone strike on July 30 that killed at least eight people and injured over 50. A Russian missile also landed in Poland during the earlier attack. Moscow has been employing ballistic missile barrages against Kyiv throughout spring and summer 2026, aiming to overwhelm the city's air defenses and cause damage to civilian areas.