More than ten powerful explosions struck Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, shortly after midnight on Wednesday, August 5, according to an Agence France-Presse journalist who was in the area and recorded the events.
The blasts followed an alert from Ukraine's air force warning of incoming Russian ballistic missiles.
Mayor confirms strikes
Mayor Vitali Klitschko said air defenses were operating and that Kyiv and its surrounding region were under attack from ballistic missiles. He later said at least one building, not used for housing, had been hit in a district of the city.
Ukraine's military command said the danger remained high and urged residents to stay in shelters.
Escalating long-range strikes
Ukraine and Russia have been exchanging long-range strikes of growing intensity in recent months, with civilian casualties rising. Ukraine's military has increased raids on Russian civilian infrastructure, particularly hydrocarbon and supply facilities, while Russian forces continue bombing Ukrainian cities almost every night.
