Russia launches ballistic missile attack on Kyiv

KYIV – Russia launched ballistic missile strikes on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, early Thursday, prompting authorities to urge residents to take shelter.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said in a post on Telegram that the city was under attack and asked residents to remain in shelters. Multiple explosions were heard across the capital, according to a Reuters witness.

Klitschko said several non-residential sites caught fire as a result of the attack. No immediate reports of casualties were available.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had warned on Wednesday that Russia was likely preparing a large-scale attack.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine's ability to protect its people depends on continued support from its allies, particularly in strengthening its air defense systems. Speaking after returning from the United States, he said President Donald Trump agreed to provide Ukraine with licenses for Patriot missile systems. -Reporting by Jekaterīna Golubkova and Oleksandr Kozhukhar; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien/Reuters