Massive ballistic and drone attacks on Ukraine: Kyiv and Dnipro rattle from blasts
Illustrative photo: State Emergency Service at the strike site (Getty Images)
In the early hours of February 12, Russia launched a massive attack on Kyiv and Dnipro using ballistic missiles and drones, according to the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as Kyiv’s mayor, Vitalii Klitschko, and the head of the Kyiv city military administration, Tymur Tkachenko.
At 02:23 AM Kyiv time, the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine issued official warnings that Russia was attacking Kyiv with ballistic missiles from the north or east, and an air raid alert was immediately declared.
Attack on Kyiv
At around 02:20 AM Kyiv time, residents in several districts of Kyiv reported a series of loud explosions.
Mayor Vitalii Klitschko stated that the Russian army is striking infrastructure targets with ballistic missiles and urged people to stay in shelters.
Attack on Dnipro
A series of powerful explosions was also reported in Dnipro, according to correspondents from Suspilne.
At 03:02 AM Kyiv time, the head of the Dnipropetrovsk regional military administration, Oleksandr Hanzha, stated that an enemy attack had been recorded in Dnipro, and authorities are currently assessing the consequences and the extent of potential damage.
"The threat remains. Stay in safe locations until the all-clear is announced," emphasized the regional administration head.
Why ballistic missiles are especially dangerous
Ballistic missiles, such as the Iskander-M or North Korean KN-23, travel along a steep trajectory and re-enter the atmosphere at extremely high speeds. Defense systems like Patriot and SAMP/T are the only means capable of effectively intercepting such targets over urban areas.
In the early hours of February 12, Russia carried out a massive drone attack on Odesa and its surrounding district. In addition to an infrastructure facility, a business center was also damaged.
A series of recent Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy system has taken up to 10 GW of generating capacity offline. Some facilities may not be restored even before the next heating season begins.
