Key facts
- Russia launched ballistic missiles at Kyiv on the evening of October 18.
- Air raid sirens blared simultaneously with the explosions.
- Residents had little warning before the missiles struck.
Multiple explosions rocked Kyiv on the evening of October 18 as Russia launched ballistic missiles at the capital. Residents had little warning before the missiles struck, with the explosions occurring simultaneously with the blaring of air raid sirens. Phone alerts went off moments before the blasts, while street sirens began "howling during the explosions," Chief Editor Olga Rudenko reported. No information is yet available regarding the targets of the attack nor any possible damage or casualties. The sudden ballistic missile strike came just hours after President Volodymyr Zelensky said the U.S. had resumed intelligence sharing with Ukraine about Russian missile launches. It can be common for Russia's high-speed ballistic missiles to hit with very little advance warning. Kyiv Independent Reporter Kateryna Denisova said she had about three minutes to shelter between receiving the mobile alert and the first explosions, which is "usual when there's a ballistic missile threat." Ukrainian officials have previously explained that satellite surveillance of launch sites can be vulnerable to transmission delays, and current weather conditions may also cause interference with the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) satellites surveilling the region.