Central Kyiv was rocked by a massive missile strike on Thursday, with Russian forces directly targeting a key government district in a severe escalation of hostilities.
Exclusive video footage, verified by The Independent, captures the terrifying moment at least two missiles obliterate a high-rise building, sending a colossal plume of smoke and debris billowing over the Ukrainian capital. The strike occurred in the early hours, a time when the city is most vulnerable.
A Target in the Heart of the Capital
The projectiles struck a building historically linked to Ukraine's security apparatus, a clear strategic target for Russian forces. While official casualty figures are still being assessed, the attack on a central area poses a grave threat to civilian life.
Emergency services were seen rushing to the scene amidst the chaos, with ambulances and fire trucks navigating the debris-laden streets. The scale of the damage suggests a powerful payload was used in the assault.
A Pattern of Escalation
This brazen attack on the very heart of Kyiv signals a dangerous new phase in the conflict. It follows a recent wave of Russian strikes targeting energy infrastructure across Ukraine, but marks a significant intensification by bringing the devastation back to the capital's centre.
Ukrainian air defences were active during the assault, attempting to intercept the incoming threats. The success rate of these defences in this specific attack remains unclear.
The strike serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing brutality of the war and the continued vulnerability of Ukrainian cities to long-range Russian missile campaigns, despite fierce resistance.
