Explosions heard in Kyiv after Ukraine issues ballistic missile alert
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
Ukrainian authorities issued an air raid alert for Kyiv in the early hours of Thursday, warning residents of a possible ballistic missile attack as powerful explosions were heard across the capital.
Kyiv's military administration said on Telegram that the alert was triggered due to the threat of ballistic weapons being used against the city.
"Air raid alert in Kyiv due to the risk of ballistic weapons. Proceed immediately to the nearest shelter and remain there until the danger has passed," the administration said.
An AFP journalist in Kyiv reported hearing several loud explosions shortly after the warning was issued.
The attack came hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia was likely preparing a large-scale overnight strike.
In a post on X late Wednesday, Zelenskyy said Russian forces had prepared for a major attack several days earlier and that there was a "high probability" it would be carried out overnight.
He urged residents to seek shelter and renewed calls for the United States and Ukraine's allies to supply Kyiv with additional Patriot air defense missile systems, which he said are essential for intercepting Russian ballistic missiles.
