Russia's drone and missile attack hits Kyiv, Kharkiv and Kryvyi Rih overnight
People were urged to take shelter (Photo: Getty Images)
Russian forces carried out another combined attack on Ukraine on the night of February 26. Explosions caused by enemy shelling were heard in several cities.
RBC-Ukraine reports everything that is known as of now.
Main points:
- Russian units launched groups of strike drones and ballistic missiles;
- Explosions were heard in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Poltava, Kryvyi Rih, and Zaporizhzhia;
- The Russian army reportedly deployed Tu-95MS and Tu-160 aircraft, which may indicate strikes with cruise missiles.
What Russia is striking with
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, enemy drones were detected over Ukraine throughout the entire day of February 25. In the evening, there were not many of them, but with the arrival of the new day — after 1:00 a.m. Kyiv time — detections began in many places and even in groups.
Until about 04:00, drones were recorded in at least the Sumy, Chernihiv, Poltava, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, and Kyiv regions.
After 03:52, the Russian army launched ballistic missiles at the capital, and then immediately struck Kharkiv.
In addition, monitoring channels reported that the enemy had raised strategic bombers Tu-95MS and Tu-160 into the sky, and that they were allegedly flying toward launch positions. However, this information has not yet been officially confirmed.
Where explosions were heard
Kyiv
According to the Kyiv City Military Administration, an air raid alert was declared in Kyiv at 03:32 due to the threat of drone use. At the same time, air defense forces were operating in the region amid drone detections.
About 20 minutes later, the enemy launched ballistic missiles at the capital, and loud explosions were heard in the city.
Updated at 04:08
In the capital, a new series of explosions was heard amid ballistic missile launches. Kyiv again heard a series of explosions amid ballistic launches. The Ukrainian Air Force also reported detecting ballistic missiles from the south, while monitoring channels suggest they could be Zircon missiles.
Updated at 06:15
According to local authorities, several fires were reported in Kyiv due to enemy attacks. In addition, the cruise missiles that were over Ukraine in the morning were heading toward the capital.
Kharkiv
Kharkiv was attacked by drones at approximately the same time as Kyiv.
“In Kharkiv, two explosions were heard — the city is under attack by enemy Shahed drones. Be careful — there are still combat drones over the city,” Mayor Ihor Terekhov wrote at 03:42 Kyiv time.
A few minutes later, another explosion was heard, and after the ballistic strikes on the capital, missiles hit Kharkiv.
“Kharkiv is under a combined air attack — drones and missiles are flying toward the city. The first two explosions were heard in the Shevchenkivskyi and Kyivskyi districts. We are clarifying the details,” the mayor informed.
Updated at 05:45
Local authorities confirmed strikes on Kyiv. Preliminary reports indicate that the occupiers attacked the city with 17 drones and two missiles. Consequences of the shelling are being recorded in four districts of the city. More details about this can be found in our separate article.
Kryvyi Rih
That night, Kryvyi Rih was the first city where details of the consequences of the enemy strike became known.
“A Shahed hit a five-story residential building… The building’s structure is visibly damaged, with many broken windows. A help center for people is being set up near the damaged building. Building materials will be delivered within an hour,” wrote Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the city’s Defense Council.
Detailed information about the first consequences can be found at this link.
Zaporizhzhia
In Zaporizhzhia, explosions began at 03:29 Kyiv time and continued for some time.
Updated at 06:00
Zaporizhzhia was subjected to a massive drone attack tonight. In the regional center, there are many damages, fires, and other consequences amid the enemy shelling. More details can be found in our article.
Poltava
Poltava and the region were the first to come under enemy attack. Explosions in the city were heard around 23:30 Kyiv time, caused by drones.
Poltava and the region were the first to be hit. Explosions occurred amid the attack.
Attack on Ukraine
The last time Russians carried out a combined strike was last week, on the night of February 22. Then the enemy also attacked Ukraine with drones and ballistic missiles.
Mainly under Russian attack were Kyiv, Odesa, and Mykolaiv, as well as the regions of Kirovohrad, Poltava, and Cherkasy.
In particular, in several regions, fires, destruction, and power outages were reported. In addition, the energy infrastructure was again hit.
More details about the consequences of that night can be found in the RBC-Ukraine article.
