Russia launched a series of missile strikes on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and its surrounding region early Wednesday, August 5th, 2026, killing at least 14 people and wounding dozens, according to Kyiv's military administration and local authorities.

The attacks began shortly after midnight with air raid sirens sounding across Kyiv for over an hour. Ukraine's air force had warned earlier that ballistic missiles were incoming but reported being unable to shoot down any of the 28 high-speed missiles and 115 drones involved in the assault.

Kyiv's military administration reported that seven sites within the city were hit. Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that one warehouse near the city center was destroyed, with rescue teams pulling two people from the debris. He also clarified that early reports of a burning 20-story apartment building were inaccurate.

The Telegram channel of Kyiv's administration stated, "The enemy is once again deliberately striking civilians and civilian infrastructure," highlighting the impact on non-military targets. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with concerns that more people may still be trapped under rubble.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted on X that "ballistic missile interceptors could have saved the lives of those killed today," emphasizing the urgent need for anti-ballistic defense systems. He stressed the importance of timely support from international partners, warning that delays or unwillingness to supply such systems directly contribute to casualties and destruction.

In recent weeks, both Ukraine and Russia have increased long-range attacks, with Russia more than doubling its missile usage in July, according to an analysis by the French AFP news agency. On Tuesday, August 4th, at least five people were killed and 10 wounded in the Moscow region. Moscow's mayor reported that the city's air defenses shot down at least 10 drones on Wednesday.

This latest wave of strikes is part of an intensifying campaign targeting Ukraine's capital and surrounding areas, following previous attacks that killed 10 people and wounded over 30 on the preceding Saturday.

Sources