Russia launched a ballistic missile attack targeting Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, early Thursday morning. Ukrainian officials reported multiple explosions throughout the city. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko advised residents to find shelter as blasts echoed across the area. A witness cited by Reuters also confirmed hearing numerous explosions. The Ukrainian Air Force stated that the attack involved ballistic missiles specifically targeting the capital.
An explosion lights up the sky over the city during a Russian missile and drone strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine July 2, 2026. (Gleb Garanich/Reuters)
Following the strikes, several non-residential areas in Kyiv caught fire, according to Klitschko. So far, there are no immediate reports of casualties.
The attack took place hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned of a possible major assault by Russia. Zelenskyy noted that Russia had likely prepared for a massive attack days prior to the incident and emphasized the high probability of it occurring overnight.
During a communication on Wednesday, Zelenskyy shared that he had received information from Air Force Commander Anatolii Kryvonozhko about the imminent danger. Zelenskyy stressed the importance of international partners understanding the situation, emphasizing that Ukraine’s defense relies on their willingness to provide air defense support.
The Ukrainian leader made these remarks after returning from a visit to the United States, where he met with President Donald Trump. Trump revealed at a NATO summit in Turkey that the U.S. would authorize Ukraine to manufacture Patriot air defense systems, as reported by The Associated Press.
Zelenskyy highlighted the critical role the United States and other partners can play by supplying Patriot missiles to bolster Ukraine’s defense. He stated, “Every partner knows what is needed and fully understands the consequences of marking time.”
Fox News Digital’s Emma Bussey and Reuters contributed additional reporting to this report.
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