Russia launches overnight drone and ballistic missile attack on Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast
Russia attacked Ukraine overnight with drones and ballistic missiles, striking Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast as explosions were heard. Kyiv was placed under a red air-raid alert, and residents were urged to go to shelters.
Key points
- The attack began around 1:00 a.m. on November 12
- The Air Force reported drones and warned of a possible launch of ballistic weapons from Voronezh
- Explosions were heard in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast
- Kyiv was placed under a red air-raid alert and residents were told to remain in shelters
- The Air Force reported a ballistic missile passing through Sumy Oblast
- Monitoring channels said the strike likely involved Kh-23 and Iskander-M ballistic missiles
- The ballistic threat was reported to be over around 2:00 a.m.
Why it matters
The strike directly hit Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast, triggering a red alert and explosions while residents were instructed to stay in shelters. The simultaneous use of drones and ballistic missiles indicates a combined overnight attack on Ukrainian territory.
What happened
Russia launched an overnight attack on Ukraine using drones and ballistic missiles. Around 1:00 a.m., a missile strike began on Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast. The Air Force warned about high-speed targets heading toward Bila Tserkva and Kyiv, while explosions were heard in the capital and surrounding region. Kyiv was placed under a red air-raid alert, and the Kyiv City Military Administration instructed residents to go to the nearest civil defence shelters and remain there during the attack.
Additional warnings followed, including a report of a ballistic missile passing through Sumy Oblast, a warning around 1:25 a.m. about another ballistic missile over Chernihiv Oblast, and a threat to Brovary shortly after. Monitoring channels estimated that the attack involved Kh-23 and Iskander-M ballistic missiles, though this type remained an assessment. The ballistic threat was reported to be over around 2:00 a.m., while the attack on Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast was still ongoing when the reports were published.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian reporting focused on official Air Force warnings, the timing and trajectories of the attack, the red air-raid alert and shelter instructions. Coverage emphasised the immediate danger and the operational response in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast.
Background
Before the strike, the Air Force reported a ballistic missile passing through Sumy Oblast. Monitoring channels estimated that the attack involved ballistic missiles, possibly Kh-23 and Iskander-M.