Missile attack on Kyiv: high-rise buildings burning, 20 casualties reported, 117 people evacuated

As a result of the Russian rocket attack on January 2, two multi-story buildings are still on fire in the Solomianskyi district of the capital. 

Rescuers saved 20 residents, while another 117 were evacuated, Rubryka reports, citing Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klychko.

According to the city's leader, rescuers freed 17 people trapped in a building.

"117 residents were taken out of the building. Currently, 20 people are injured, and 19 of them have been hospitalized," said Klychko.

The mayor stressed that there was a fire and heavy smoke in the building. All services are working on the scene, he added.

Night attack on Ukraine

Initially, the Air Force stated that on the night of January 2, Russian forces launched several dozen attack drones over Ukraine.

Air raid alarms sounded in Kyiv, and anti-aircraft defense forces were activated in a number of southern and central regions. Later, explosions were heard in the capital.

At that time, the local administration announced the fall of debris from downed drones in two areas of the city.

In the Desnianskyi district of Kyiv, a fire reportedly happened in residential areas. Remains of Russian UAVs were also recorded in the Holosiivskyi district.

Overall, Russians launched 35 attack drones over Ukraine; air defense forces destroyed all targets.

By the early morning of that day, a series of explosions occurred in Kyiv, and the missile defense system was activated. Russia launched "Kinzhal" rockets and cruise missiles.

As reported by the Air Force, 16 Tu-95 MS strategic bombers launched dozens of missiles. In addition to cruise missiles, Russians are launching air-ballistic missiles Kh-47M2 "Kinzhal."

As later reported by Kyiv Mayor Klychko, ten residents were injured by rocket fragments hitting a multi-story building in the Solomianskyi district.

According to Klychko:

• In the Podilskyi district, there are fires in several locations.
• In the Sviatoshynskyi district, there are hits on a social infrastructure building.
• In the Pecherskyi district, there was a hit on the roof of a multi-story building. 
• In the Obolonskyi district, a warehouse caught fire.
• In Desnianskyi district, there is a fire in a supermarket building.

Rubryka photo correspondent Mykola Tymchenko is working at the scene in the capital.