Ukraine's Kyiv under ballistic missile attack - Reuters witness

Kyiv, Ukraine, was struck by a large-scale Russian ballistic missile and drone attack on June 1, 2026, with witnesses reporting massive pillar of smoke rising from the city center following an air raid alert. The attack caused significant damage, including fires at a nine-story apartment building in the Podil district and multiple locations in the Obolon district, where vehicles were set ablaze by falling debris. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported ongoing efforts to contain the fires and ensure public safety, urging residents to remain vigilant and follow air raid instructions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had previously warned of the possibility of a large-scale strike, emphasizing preparedness of Ukrainian defense forces. The attack appears to be part of a broader escalation, with Russia stating its intent to conduct "systematic strikes" on military and decision-making targets in Kyiv. The financial and human toll of such attacks continues to weigh on Ukraine’s economy, with infrastructure damage and displacement of residents compounding existing challenges.