Key facts
- Russia launched a mass missile and drone attack on Kyiv on October 7.
- The attack coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin's 74th birthday.
- Multiple explosions were heard in Kyiv's city center and Podilsky district.
- Ukraine's Air Force had warned of approaching Russian Tu-95 bombers.
- President Zelensky had warned of a large-scale attack based on intelligence.
Explosions shook Kyiv overnight on October 7 as Russia conducted a significant missile and drone assault on the Ukrainian capital, occurring on Russian President Vladimir Putin's 74th birthday. Multiple detonations were reported in the city center and the Podilsky district, with eyewitnesses describing flames and smoke. Ukraine's Air Force had issued warnings about approaching Russian Tu-95 bombers and drones earlier in the evening, leading to an air raid alert.
President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously urged citizens to heed air raid warnings, citing intelligence that Russia was preparing a large-scale attack. The extent of the damage from the latest barrage was not immediately clear. This attack follows a similar strike the previous night that damaged vehicles and targeted key bridges in Kyiv.