Russia Launches Multiple Ballistic Missiles at Kyiv, Explosions Heard Across Capital
Explosions were heard in Kyiv as Russia launched multiple ballistic missiles toward the capital, days before Ukraine’s Independence Day.
Ukrainian authorities reported explosions being heard across Kyiv late Friday, August 21, as Russia launched multiple ballistic missiles towards the capital. The Ukrainian Air Force issued warnings of the missile threat from the northeast shortly before 10 p.m. local time. In just a few minutes, it reported a missile moving through the Chernihiv region and heading directly toward Kyiv.
The Air Force issued multiple warnings, reporting, "Several ballistic missiles toward Kyiv!" at 9:59 p.m., followed by additional alerts a minute later.
While the initial reports were focused on ballistic missiles, the threat expanded as Russian Banderol loitering munitions were also detected moving towards Brovary and Kyiv. However, there were no immediate official reports of casualties or damage from the latest attack. The assault occurred just days before Ukraine celebrates its 35th Independence Day on Monday, August 24.
Earlier in the day, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) had urged citizens to remain vigilant ahead of and during the Independence Day celebrations, warning of potential Russian provocations and terrorist attacks. This latest ballistic missile attack also came a day after one of the deadliest Russian assaults on Kyiv this year, which resulted in 16 deaths and 42 injuries on August 20. That attack targeted residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure in the capital.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
