Air Alarm Declared Across Ukraine: An In-depth Look

Air Alarm Declared Across Ukraine: An In-depth Look

The Onset of the Air Alarm

Information from an official population alert resource recently revealed that an air alarm has been declared in Kyiv and numerous regions across Ukraine. These regions include Kyiv, Kirovograd, and Cherkasy. The sounding sirens across these regions signal a potential air threat, urging residents to stay alert and follow instructions or updates from official sources.

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Details of the Air Raid Warnings

According to reports, an air-raid warning was announced across Ukraine due to the launch of cruise and later, Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles. The Ukrainian Air Force signaled a threat of missile strikes in Kherson, Mykolaiv, and Kirovohrad oblasts, with the danger later extending to Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Subsequent air raid warnings were issued in Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Chernihiv, Vinnytsia, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Sumy, and Poltava oblasts. It was later revealed that the missiles were heading towards Cherkasy Oblast, with the Air Force stressing that the missiles might change their course. By 18:30, air raid warnings had been issued across all of Ukraine, save for Odesa Oblast.

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Missile Movements and Repercussions

Reports from the Air Force stated that a number of cruise missiles were advancing towards Ukraine’s Kirovohrad Oblast. At 18:37, it was reported that cruise missiles entered the airspace over Kyiv Oblast. These missiles reached Vinnytsia Oblast by 18:45, and by 18:55, they had reached Khmelnytskyi Oblast. Russian troops are reported to have launched Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles on Ukraine from the Russian city of Tambov, as well as cruise missiles from Belarus. However, the air-raid warning was cancelled in almost all oblasts around 19:40.

Reactions to the Air Threat

Following the announcement of the air-raid warning, numerous explosions were heard in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. Mayor Vitali Klitschko alerted residents to stay in air raid shelters as air defences were activated. It was reported that Russia had launched hypersonic missiles at the Kyiv region. Fragments of a downed missile were said to have fallen on the territory of a children’s hospital in the city, although no injuries or damage were reported. There were also reports of explosions in the central and western regions of Vinnytsia and Khmelnytskyi. An official in Khmelnytskyi confirmed that air defences in the area were at work.

Aftermath of the Air Strikes

After the night of the air raid, Ukrainian forces in Kyiv reported shooting down 36 Russian missiles and drones in and around the capital. Two people were injured by falling debris before authorities lifted air raid alerts across most of the country. The Air Force stated that its air defences had shot down 15 cruise missiles and 21 drones. It was reported that a wave of drones had been launched late on Thursday, followed by a volley of cruise missiles as people slept around 0300 local time.

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Impacts on Civilians

Authorities reported that two people were injured as a result of falling debris, including a child. Five private houses were also damaged by the debris. Tragically, a nine-year-old girl was among three people killed in a missile strike on Kyiv after the shelter they rushed to failed to open. The President warned that local officials who were unable to provide protection may face prosecution.