Kyiv has been bombarded by ballistic missiles days after Russian President Vladimir Putin told diplomats to leave the city.
Kyiv has come under a barrage of ballistic missiles just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed diplomats to evacuate the city.
Thick clouds of smoke were spotted billowing over the Ukrainian capital on Tuesday, June 2, as residents were urged to seek refuge underground.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that a blaze had erupted at an apartment block after debris from a neighbouring non-residential building – which had caught fire – landed on its roof.
Locals were reportedly left trapped beneath rubble close to the building, though it remains uncertain whether there were any casualties or fatalities.
Residents flooded into subway stations armed with sleeping bags and camping gear to escape the onslaught.
“In the Obolon district, cars are burning after being struck by falling missile debris. There are also fires at two locations in open areas, including one near a kindergarten,” Klitschko announced via Telegram.
Earlier that day, the country’s Air Force had alerted citizens to incoming ballistic missiles before the military called on Ukrainians to seek shelter.
It further revealed that Russia had launched attacks on Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia, hours after missiles were believed to have been fired towards Ukraine from the Caspian Sea.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had warned the nation on Monday that a “massive” Russian strike could be imminent.
“Intelligence warnings regarding Russian strikes remain in effect. A massive strike is possible, they have prepared one.
“Our defenders are ready 24/7 to the fullest extent possible with the supplies currently available.”
Just days prior, Russia had urged foreign nationals and diplomats to depart “as soon as possible”, while warning civilians to steer clear of government and military buildings.
It is believed the strikes are in retaliation for a drone attack last week on a dormitory in Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Luhansk region.
Russia claimed the strike resulted in 21 deaths, an allegation Ukraine has firmly denied.
