On the evening of October 26, 2026, Russia launched a ballistic missile strike on Kyiv. According to RBC-Ukraine citing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the attack began at around 22:00, and explosions rocked the city. Soon after, reports emerged of impacts in several districts of the capital, including near a metro station and hitting a medical crew that was en route to an emergency call at the time of the strike.
Targets of the strike: University, park, and metro area
According to Zelenskyy, the missiles hit the territory of one of Kyiv's universities, effectively striking its campus. Kyoto Park, the area near a metro station, and residential buildings were also hit. In the Desnianskyi district, a missile landed near a university dormitory; online reports suggest this may be the State University of Trade and Economics (SUTE), though this has not been officially confirmed.
Casualties and rescue operations
The strike resulted in deaths and injuries, with the exact number of casualties still undetermined at the time of publication. Rescue operations are ongoing: according to the president, people may be trapped under the rubble. A separate report noted a strike on a medical team responding to a call.
"A direct strike on the city": Zelenskyy's stance
Zelenskyy stressed that the impacts occurred in very crowded areas with no military facilities nearby. "This is a direct strike on the city, on infrastructure," the president stated, pointing out that the targets were civilian housing and public spaces rather than military positions.
Call to partners regarding air defense
Commenting on the events, Zelenskyy stated that amid the constant threat, "artificial air defense delays for Ukraine help terror." He urged partners to swiftly implement political agreements and provide Ukraine with the means to destroy Russian ballistic missile launchers, explaining this as "the most effective way to save lives."
Threat of renewed attacks
According to the president, further strikes are possible. Russia continues to attack Kyiv and other cities and communities using Shahed drones, as noted. Rescue and recovery efforts in the impact zones are ongoing.
