Russian strikes on Kyiv kill one, injure 11; Poland scrambles fighter jets
Russian forces launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv overnight, resulting in at least one death and 11 injuries, according to local officials.
The attack, which struck several neighbourhoods, caused a nine-storey residential building to collapse, with some people trapped under the rubble, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.
In response, Poland activated its fighter jets to protect its airspace, describing the move as a 'preventive' measure. The Polish military stated on social media that the actions were aimed at securing the airspace, especially in areas adjacent to threatened regions. Poland is a member of NATO, which has a collective defence clause, though no attacks on Polish territory were reported.
Ukrainian air defence systems were active throughout the night, with tracer fire visible in the sky and explosions from drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles heard across the city. Multiple fires broke out, and an ambulance station was damaged, leaving one person critically injured.
The attack is the first major strike on Kyiv in over two weeks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had earlier warned that Russia was preparing a 'massive' attack, based on intelligence reports, and cut short a visit to Ireland.
