Russian forces launched a coordinated, large-scale air strike against Kyiv early Tuesday morning, resulting in civilian casualties, widespread residential fires, and forced mass evacuations to emergency shelters.
Devastation in the Capital
On Tuesday, June 2, Russian forces launched a massive missile and drone assault on Kyiv. Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that a nine-story residential building caught fire after debris from a intercepted drone struck its roof. A major fire was also reported in the Podil district.
Klitschko stated that cars were ignited in the Obolon district by falling debris, and fires broke out in two other locations, including one near a kindergarten. Initial reports indicate two people were injured. A separate blaze severely damaged a 24-story residential building, with reports of residents trapped under rubble.
According to Reuters, thousands of Kyiv residents have taken refuge in metro stations and other temporary shelters.
Casualties Across Ukraine
The BBC reports at least nine fatalities and dozens of injuries resulting from the overnight attacks across Ukraine. In Kyiv alone, four people were killed and 35 were hospitalized.
Russia also targeted Dnipro in the southeast, where at least four people died and more than 16 were wounded. In the Kharkiv region, Mayor Ihor Terekhov confirmed that the number of injured has risen to 10, including a 15-year-old girl.
Polish Military Readiness
The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces deployed military aircraft into Polish airspace during the night as a preventive measure in response to the heavy Russian strikes. The mission concluded Tuesday morning.
Ground-based air defense and radar reconnaissance systems have returned to standard operations. Authorities confirmed that no violation of Polish airspace occurred and acknowledged the support of the NATO Air Command and the air forces of France and the Netherlands.
Escalating Threats
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had warned of a potential massive attack, urging citizens to heed air raid sirens. Last week, Russia announced plans for systematic strikes on military targets and decision-making centers in Kyiv, advising diplomats and foreigners to leave the city.
Moscow claims these actions are in retaliation for a drone strike in the occupied Luhansk region that allegedly killed 21 people; Kyiv has denied involvement in that attack.