Russia missile and drone attack on Kyiv kills two, report says
At least two people died in Kyiv during an overnight mass missile and drone attack launched by Russia on Oct. 7, coinciding with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s 74th birthday, The Kyiv Independent reported.
Casualties and Damage Across Kyiv Districts
The Kyiv City Military Administration reported that the casualties occurred in the Darnytskyi district of the capital. Multiple explosions erupted across Kyiv beginning around 3:15 a.m. local time after Ukraine’s Air Force warned of approaching Russian Tu-95 bombers.
“The missiles are falling one after another. At least 10-12 explosions from what I can count. It’s pretty loud in the city center,” Kyiv Independent journalist Tim Zadorozhnyy described from the ground.
Flames and smoke were visible in the Podil district, where warehouse facilities sustained hits. A second wave of missile strikes brought further explosions at 5:15 a.m. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported a strike on a non-residential area in the Obolon district. Missile debris burned in the Shevchenkivskyi district, while a garage caught fire in the Darnytskyi district.
President Volodymyr Zelensky urged citizens earlier in the day to heed air raid alerts, warning that intelligence indicated Russia was preparing a large-scale assault.
Russian Drone Strikes Northern Bridge During Merz Visit
A Russian drone struck the Northern Bridge during morning traffic as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in the city amid air raid sirens and air defense activity. Merz traveled to Ukraine to demonstrate support for Zelensky.
“If Russia is not stopped, sooner or later its war machine will turn against us,” Merz stated. Video footage captured the Northern Bridge explosion, which sparked a massive fire while cars were still crossing. Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko reported two injuries from that strike, marking the second time the Northern Bridge was hit in as many days.
Meanwhile, drone debris fell on the open grounds of a residential building in Kyiv’s Pechersk district, igniting parked cars, according to Ukrinform reporting cited by Menafn.
Mobilization Plans and Defense Agreements
During their meeting in Kyiv, Zelensky and Chancellor Merz finalized a defense and industrial partnership encompassing drone and missile production. Berlin committed a $1.5 billion aid package, including $1.13 billion in military aid and $390 million for energy infrastructure repairs ahead of winter.
Zelensky warned that Russia’s accelerated air campaign relies on high-speed, jet-powered Shahed-type drones designed to bypass interceptors. Despite requests from U.S. President Donald Trump to avoid targeting Russian oil refiners to prevent global price surges, Ukraine continues targeting facilities funding Moscow’s war machine.