KYIV July 29. 2026 – Russia launched a series of ballistic missile strikes on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv late on July 29, 2026, according to local officials and monitoring reports.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the attack, stating that ballistic missiles were targeting the city and urging residents to remain in shelters. Multiple explosions were heard across Kyiv, with air defense systems activating in response. Fires broke out at several non-residential locations, including reports of flames at the Pochaina market area near a metro station.
Ukrainian Air Force alerts and monitoring channels indicated a multi-wave assault involving ballistic missiles, cruise missiles (including Kh-101 types launched by strategic bombers), and drones. Civilians sought refuge in the Kyiv metro system as the strikes continued. Separate reports noted impacts and trapped individuals under rubble in other cities, including Kryvyi Rih.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had warned earlier on July 29 of a possible large-scale Russian attack. The latest strikes occur amid a pattern of intensified Russian ballistic missile use against Kyiv throughout July 2026, during which Ukrainian forces have faced challenges intercepting such weapons due to limited stocks of specialized air defense systems. Zelenskyy recently discussed expanded access to Patriot missile production licenses following talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Initial reports from Reuters indicated no confirmed casualties in Kyiv at the time of the first official statements, though emergency services responded to fires and damage. Further details on the full scale of the attack, interception rates, and any injuries are expected as assessments continue.
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