Explosions rocked Kyiv before dawn Sunday, following warnings of a ballistic missile attack just two days before the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion. AFP journalists heard multiple blasts shortly after an air-raid alert was issued. The head of Kyiv's military administration confirmed the capital was attacked with ballistic weapons, urging residents to seek shelter. The air force later issued a nationwide alert for a broader missile threat.
Kyiv, a frequent target since the February 24, 2022 invasion, has faced intensified overnight strikes as Moscow targets energy and military infrastructure. The capital was struck as temperatures plunged, with emergency services deployed.
In Lviv, a western city, explosions on a central street killed a policewoman and injured 15. Mayor Andriy Sadovyi called the incident an "act of terrorism."
Ukraine is set to mark four years of war, which has devastated towns and displaced millions. Russia occupies nearly a fifth of Ukrainian territory and continues its advance in the eastern Donbas region.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated Ukraine is "definitely not losing" and aims for victory, reporting recent gains of about 300 sq km in counterattacks, though these could not be immediately verified. He attributed this push partly to restored Starlink internet services following a plea to owner Elon Musk.
The bombardment occurred amid diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. Ukrainian, Russian, and US envoys have met without a breakthrough. President Zelenskyy plans consultations with European leaders and seeks deeper involvement from Middle Eastern states and Turkey.