Kyiv, Kharkiv, and beyond - Russian forces attack Ukraine with drones and missiles

Russian attack

Starting from the evening of April 23, air alerts were declared in several regions of Ukraine as drones were detected in the country’s airspace.

With the arrival of a new day, an air alert was declared across all of Ukraine. Specifically, new groups of Shaheds entered Ukrainian airspace, and from the south, Russia launched cruise missiles of the Kalibr type. Additionally, Russia launched ballistic missiles. After that, powerful explosions were heard in at least Kyiv and Kharkiv. There were reports of impact sites and more.

As of 01:36 AM Kyiv time, the Ukrainian Air Force warned that launches of cruise missiles from Russian strategic aviation aircraft had been detected.

Russia’s attack on Kyiv

Around 00:01 AM Kyiv time, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that air defense systems were working against the Russian drones in the capital. Later, it became known that cruise missiles and ballistic missiles were heading toward the capital.

After the explosions, it was reported that in several areas of the capital, debris had fallen, buildings and cars were on fire.

As of 01:33 AM Kyiv time, Klitschko reported the following about the aftermath of the Russian attack:

• In the Holosiivskyi district, there were suspected drone debris falling near a residential building. Garages were also burning in this area. In another location, cars were on fire.

• In the Shevchenkivskyi district, debris hit a non-residential building.

• In the Sviatoshynskyi district, a building was reported to be on fire, and cars were burning in the yard of another building.

• In the Shevchenkivskyi district, a garage fire occurred as a result of falling debris.

A few minutes later, Klitschko reported that a three-year-old child had been hospitalized in the Sviatoshynskyi district. Also, fires were recorded in non-residential buildings in Shevchenkivskyi and Sviatoshynskyi districts.

Later, Kyiv Military Administration Head Tymur Tkachеnkо reported the following as of 01:40 AM Kyiv time:

• Holosiivskyi district: Two fires caused by Russian attacks;

• Shevchenkivskyi district: Four fires;

• Sviatoshynskyi district: Preliminary fires at three locations.

Shortly after, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko clarified that there were destructions in Sviatoshynskyi district.

"In Sviatoshynskyi district, a residential building caught fire. There are destructions. People are trapped under the rubble. Rescue workers and medics are on site," Klitschko wrote at 01:44 AM Kyiv time.

Furthermore, debris falling caused a fire in a non-residential building and destruction in Podilskyi district. In total, ten fires were reported.

Updated at 02:28 AM Kyiv time

"The most affected by the Russian attack was Sviatoshynskyi district. Fires occurred at six locations. There are destructions. Medics have hospitalized 12 people. Emergency services are working at the scene," Klitschko reported.

Updated at 03:30 AM Kyiv time

The Head of Kyiv Military Administration reported that Russian forces attacked Kyiv with drones, guided, and ballistic missiles. As of 03:00 AM Kyiv time, the effects were recorded in three city districts. Further details include:

Holosiivskyi district:

• Car fires in the yard of a residential building;

• Fire in a garage cooperative;

• Debris fall at a non-residential building site;

• Fire in the garage cooperative area; partial destruction of garages and a two-story administrative building.

Shevchenkivskyi District:

• Debris fall from UAVs in open space, no fire;

• Garage fires;

• Fire at a non-residential building.

Sviatoshynskyi district:

• Fire and partial destruction of a residential building. People are trapped under the rubble. Rescue operations underway;

• Car fires in the yard of a residential building;

• Fire at a non-residential building site;

• Destruction in a garage cooperative;

• Fire in a building;

• Fire and partial destruction of a one-story residential building;

• Fire at a non-residential space. Extinguished.

What is known about injured in Kyiv

Tymur Tkachеnkо reported that as of 01:40 AM Kyiv time, five people, including one child, were injured. Earlier, Klitschko informed that a three-year-old child had been hospitalized.

Updated at 02:21 AM Kyiv time

The number of injured in Kyiv increased to 12. All were hospitalized, Klitschko reported.

Updated at 02:35 AM Kyiv time

The mayor of the capital wrote that 21 people had been hospitalized. Later, Klitschko clarified that among them were three children and a pregnant woman.

Updated at 03:38 AM Kyiv time

Vitali Klitschko informed that as a result of the Russian attack, one person had died, and 50 others were injured in Kyiv.

"Medics have hospitalized 35 people, including six children. Fifteen received assistance on-site," the message stated.

Updated at 03:53 AM Kyiv time

"Two people dead in the capital. 54 people injured. Of them, 38, including six children, were hospitalized. The others received assistance on-site," Klitschko reported.

Attack aftermath on Kyiv region

Kyiv Regional State Administration Head Mykola Kalashnyk reported that the effects of the Russian attack were recorded in three districts of the Kyiv region:

• In Bucha district, a five-story residential building was damaged. A fire in a store was detected. No information about casualties among civilians has been reported;

• In Vyshhorod district, a fire broke out in a forest;

• In Brovary district, a fire occurred in grassland.

He also published photos and added that emergency services are working to eliminate the consequences of the Russian attack.

Around 01:05 AM Kyiv time, missiles were heading toward Kharkiv, including ballistic missiles from the east. A few minutes later, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov confirmed that the city had been attacked by missiles. About 20 minutes later, repeated explosions were heard.

Updated at 02:06 AM Kyiv time

"Tonight, Kharkiv has suffered seven rocket strikes. The consequences of this attack are being clarified. Currently, no information on casualties has been reported," wrote Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

Updated at 02:18 AM Kyiv time

Terekhov reported that one of the Russian strikes hit the Novobavarsky district of Kharkiv. Windows in nearby high-rise buildings were shattered. As of this moment, no information on casualties has been provided.

Updated at 03:20 AM Kyiv time

Starting from approximately 03:00, Kharkiv came under attack by the Russian drones. This information has been confirmed by both Terekhov and the Head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, Oleh Synehubov. As of now, six explosions have been heard in the city.

Updated at 03:41 AM Kyiv time

"A series of explosions occurred in Kharkiv. For more than half an hour, the city has been under the strikes of the Russian UAVs," wrote Synehubov.

According to our correspondent, as of this moment, 11 explosions have been heard in the city (during the drone attack). The consequences are still unknown.

Attack aftermath on Pavlohrad, Dnipropetrovsk region

Head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration Serhii Lysak reported at 03:07 AM Kyiv time that the city of Pavlohrad was once again under the Russian attack. He also confirmed that the threat to the Dnipropetrovsk region persists and urged people to stay in safe locations.

Updated at 03:26 AM Kyiv time

"Pavlohrad. It’s loud again. Information is being clarified. The threat continues," wrote the head of the Regional Military Administration.

Government comments on Russian attack

Andrii Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, reacted to the attack by stating that Vladimir Putin is only demonstrating a desire to kill.

"Russia is attacking Kyiv, Kharkiv, and other cities with missiles and drones right now. Putin is showing only a desire to kill. The fire must stop. Attacks on civilians must cease," the message reads.