Kyiv hit by heavy Russian missile, drone assault amid air defence operations

Russian Missile and Drone Barrage Hits Kyiv as Air Defences Engage

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Pinky Deshmukh

Last Updated: December 27, 2025

Summary: Massive Russian attack on Ukrainian capital Kyiv prompts air alerts and calls to shelter residents.

The Ukrainian capital Kyiv came under a significant Russian attack involving both cruise and ballistic missiles, according to Ukrainian officials and eyewitness reports. The strikes triggered air-raid alerts across the city as air defence systems sprang into action to intercept incoming threats.

Residents in Kyiv reported hearing powerful explosions that lit up the sky and shook buildings in several districts. Local authorities warned citizens to take shelter immediately as the attack unfolded, with air defences active throughout much of the morning. Officials have asked citizens to stay vigilant and follow safety precautions during the bombing.

Russia and Ukraine have been at odds since February 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion. During this time, Kyiv has been repeatedly targeted by missile and drone strikes, despite ongoing efforts to strengthen its defence with Western partners.

While detailed casualty figures were not immediately available, the scale of the attack and the activation of citywide air defences underline the seriousness of the strikes. Officials stressed that protecting civilian populations remains a priority as Ukraine’s military operations and air-defence efforts push to mitigate the impact of such bombardments.

This latest attack coincides with diplomatic efforts to bring an end to years of conflict. The attack happened right before high-level talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and foreign partners. This shows how fragile the situation is, as well as the overall instability of the region.

Emergency services and residents in Kyiv are preparing for what comes next, despite ongoing air alerts throughout the capital. Officials have called for peace and stressed the need to stick to safety guidelines until the danger has subsided.