Ukraine capital Kyiv under massive Russian attack; mayor issues ‘stay in shelters’ warning

Ukraine’s capital Kyiv was rocked by several powerful explosions early on Saturday as authorities warned of an incoming missile attack, with air defences activated across the city.

The Ukrainian Air Force said on social media that Russian drones and missiles were detected over multiple regions, including Kyiv. Mayor Vitali Klitschko urged residents to take shelter, saying air-defence systems were operating.

“Explosions in the capital. Air defence forces are working. Stay in shelters,” Klitschko wrote on Telegram.

Eyewitnesses cited by AFP and Reuters reported hearing multiple loud blasts, some accompanied by bright flashes that lit up the sky. Unofficial Telegram channels also reported explosions, while a military-linked channel said cruise and ballistic missiles were being used in the attack.

The strikes came just two days before a meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said was scheduled with former U.S. President Donald Trump in the United States to finalise details of a proposed agreement aimed at ending the nearly four-year-long war.

Zelensky is expected to travel to Florida for talks on a new 20-point peace plan, as Trump intensifies efforts to broker a settlement to Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II, which has killed tens of thousands since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

Russia has meanwhile accused Zelensky and his European Union allies of attempting to undermine U.S.-led peace efforts. Russia’s deputy foreign minister said on state television that reaching an agreement would depend on political will, accusing Kyiv and its supporters in the EU of trying to “torpedo” the process.