Ukraine: Kiev Faces a 'Massive' Russian Attack, Warns Mayor

Kiev experienced a 'massive' attack early Friday, as warned by the mayor of the Ukrainian capital, Vitali Klitschko, who urged residents to seek shelter. Journalists from AFP reported hearing loud explosions.

"Air defense forces are operating in Kiev," Klitschko stated on Telegram, indicating a "massive enemy attack on the capital," which has resulted in at least two injuries in the Dniprovsky district in the east, one of whom is hospitalized.

In this district, "according to preliminary information, debris struck a five-story residential building," he clarified.

Fires have erupted in several neighborhoods following the strikes, and emergency services have been deployed, he added.

Loud explosions were reported in the city center, according to AFP journalists, who observed air defense systems activated against drones and missiles.

Continuing its offensive that began in 2022, Russia, with better-equipped and more numerous forces, continues to advance in eastern Ukraine, particularly in the Donetsk region where most of the recent fighting is concentrated.

Simultaneously, Russia has been intensifying its bombardments on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and the railway network in light of falling temperatures as winter approaches.