EXPLOSIONS ROCK KYIV AS UKRAINE FACES FRESH BALLISTIC MISSILE THREAT

Several explosions were heard across Kyiv early Thursday after Ukraine’s Air Force issued a warning over a possible ballistic missile attack targeting the Ukrainian capital.

The explosions occurred while an air raid alert was active in Kyiv and several other regions, prompting authorities to urge residents to immediately seek shelter and remain there until the threat had passed.

Ukraine’s Air Force had earlier warned that ballistic missiles were moving towards the capital, raising concerns of another major Russian attack on the city.

Kyiv authorities activated emergency measures as residents were advised to stay away from windows and follow official instructions from emergency and military officials.

The latest incident adds to a series of Russian aerial attacks targeting Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine, with Moscow increasingly relying on a combination of ballistic missiles and drones in its campaign against Ukrainian cities.

The use of ballistic missiles has presented a particularly serious challenge for Ukrainian air-defence forces because of their speed and difficulty of interception. Ukraine has repeatedly appealed to its Western allies for additional advanced air-defence systems and interceptor missiles.

The attacks have also placed further pressure on Ukraine's already stretched air-defence capabilities, particularly around Kyiv, which has been repeatedly targeted since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.

At the time of the explosions, authorities had not immediately released detailed information on casualties or the extent of damage caused by the latest barrage. Emergency teams were expected to assess affected areas after the immediate threat subsided.

The renewed attack comes amid continuing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides carrying out long-range strikes against military, energy and other strategic targets.

Ukrainian officials have continued to call for stronger international support, particularly additional air-defence equipment, as Russian forces intensify their use of drones and ballistic missiles.

Residents in Kyiv were again urged to remain vigilant and comply with air raid warnings as authorities continued monitoring the situation.