Russia slams Kyiv in mass missile, drone attack on Putin's 74th birthday

Overnight on October 7, Kyiv was struck by a significant missile and drone assault by Russia, occurring simultaneously with the 74th birthday of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Reports from Kyiv Independent journalists indicated that multiple explosions were heard around 3:15 a.m. local time, with at least 10-12 explosions detected in the city center by 3:30 a.m. Flames and smoke were visible in the Podil district, while non-residential areas in Obolon District were also targeted.

Prior to the attack, drones approached the capital at 9 p.m. local time, prompting an air raid alert that lasted until 9:58 p.m. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported warehouse facilities hit in the Polid district. President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously warned citizens to heed air raid signals and expressed concern over Russia's preparation for a large-scale attack, citing recent intelligence.

The attack came on the same day as Putin's birthday, a stark contrast to the average Russian life expectancy of 68 years as of 2024. Russia had already targeted Kyiv's cars and key bridges in the days leading up to this attack.