Russia attacks Ukraine's Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia with ballistic missiles, causing casualities

Strike on Kyiv

At 5:51 a.m., the Air Force reported a ballistic missile threat in regions where air raid sirens were active.

Shortly after, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported a fire in a non-residential building in the Shevchenkivskyi district. Windows in a residential building were shattered, and smoke filled the stairwells.

“Glass panels at the entrance to the Lukianivska metro station were damaged. The station is now closed for entry and exit, with trains bypassing the stop,” Klitschko said.

Kyiv’s military administration head, Tymur Tkachenko, later confirmed casualties in the Shevchenkivskyi district.

As of 6:29 a.m., three fatalities were reported.

By 7:09 a.m., emergency services extinguished fires in three vehicles. In total, ten cars were damaged.

“There is partial destruction of an administrative building, a business center, and a store. A major water pipeline was damaged. A fire in one building has been localized,” the report stated.

According to preliminary data, the attack killed three people and injured three others.

Eighty-four rescuers and 22 emergency vehicles were deployed.

By 7:05 a.m., Tkachenko reported that the death toll had risen to four.

“Sadly, four people have now died in the Shevchenkivskyi district, and three others were injured,” he wrote.

In the Holosiivskyi district, missile debris was found, but no fires were reported.

“In Shevchenkivskyi, the attack damaged a business center. Across the street, windows were shattered in a residential high-rise on all floors. Witnesses described seeing bodies near the Lukianivska metro station—people likely trying to seek shelter. Some burned alive in their cars. Police are conducting investigations on-site,” said an Espreso correspondent.

Kyiv’s emergency services spokesperson, Pavlo Petrov, reported significant destruction upon arrival. A large crater was found, along with a damaged water pipeline and burning cars.

“Two people who died were in a car, and one person was on the sidewalk,” Petrov said, adding that three others sought medical assistance.

Later, the Prosecutor General’s Office shared details about the casualties.

“Four fatalities were initially reported: a restaurant security guard and three people in a minivan. However, updated information confirmed only three deaths,” the statement clarified.

An investigation under Article 438 of the Criminal Code (war crimes causing civilian deaths) is underway.

By noon, Tkachenko corrected the fatality count, confirming three victims—a 43-year-old man, a 25-year-old man, and a 41-year-old woman. Three others received medical aid on-site but declined hospitalization.

By 12:34 p.m., the Lukianivska metro station resumed operations, with limited access to certain exits due to ongoing repairs.

Strike on Zaporizhzhia

At 6:29 a.m., Zaporizhzhia Governor Ivan Fedorov reported an attack on infrastructure.

“Preliminary reports indicate injuries. More details to come,” he said.

The strike partially destroyed an administrative building and damaged residential buildings and private vehicles.

Initially, two injuries were reported, but the number rose to six, with one woman in critical condition.

By 8:30 a.m., injuries increased to eight, including a woman in critical condition. By 09:07, ten injuries were confirmed, with eight hospitalized.

 "The number of injured has increased to 10. Two victims were treated by medics at the site of the missile strike. 8 people were hospitalized - they are from 28 to 69 years old. A 48-year-old woman is in serious condition," Fedorov noted.

Ombudsman's reaction 

The Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Dmytro Lubinets, reacted to the morning shelling by Russia of the territory of Ukraine.

According to him, as a result, civilian infrastructure was damaged in Kyiv, there were deaths and injuries.

In Zaporizhia, residential buildings, an industrial facility and transport were damaged. There were injuries.

"Russian troops first launched drones, and then carried out ballistic shelling. These acts of aggression only confirm the ruthlessness and barbarity of the enemy, which continues to terrorize peaceful people on the territory of Ukraine," he stressed.

Zelenskyy’s response

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also condemned the attacks.

“Those who support Russia’s actions must feel consequences as severe as these strikes. Unity with the world can make this happen,” he said.

• On January 18, Russia attacked Ukraine with drones and missiles, targeting Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia. Explosions caused casualties and injuries.