Russian Strikes Hit Kyiv Overnight, Prompting Shelter Orders

Explosions sounded across Kyiv’s historic center shortly before midnight on July 1, igniting fires and prompting residents to seek shelter underground. Russian forces launched the strikes, which officials in Moscow described as retaliation for prior Ukrainian attacks.

Emergency services directed people to metro stations and other underground locations. Images showed residents gathered inside stations during the air attacks. Local authorities reported damage to several buildings but did not release casualty figures in the initial hours after the strikes.

The same statement from Russian officials linked the operation to recent Ukrainian strikes that Moscow said had created pressure on its leadership.