Russia launches ballistic missile attack on Kyiv hours after Zelenskyy warns of major strike

close Video Trump grants Ukraine license to produce Patriot missiles amid ongoing war Paul Gigot discusses Trump's decision to grant Ukraine a license for Patriot missile production. Seth Jones analyzes the move's impact on Ukraine's defense, current battlefield challenges and potential Russian escalation against NATO. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Hören Sie sich diesen Artikel an 2 Min Russia launched a ballistic missile attack on Ukraine's capital early Thursday, with multiple explosions reported across Kyiv, according to Ukrainian officials. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko urged residents to seek shelter as blasts rocked the city. Reuters, citing a witness, reported hearing multiple explosions. The Ukrainian Air Force also said Russia was targeting the capital with ballistic missiles. Russia UNLEASHES NEARLY 600 MISSILES AND DRONES ON Kyiv IN DEADLIEST STRIKE SINCE MAY An explosion lights up the sky over the city during a Russian missile and drone strike amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, July 2, 2026. (Gleb Garanich/Reuters) Klitschko later said several non-residential sites caught fire following the strikes. There were no immediate reports of casualties. The attack came just hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia appeared to be preparing a major overnight assault. "I received a report from Air Force Commander Anatolii Kryvonozhko," Zelenskyy wrote on X Wednesday, saying Russia had prepared a "massive attack several days ago" and that there was a "high probability" it would be carried out overnight. ZELENSKYY SAYS PUTIN 'LOST THE INITIATIVE' AS Ukraine'S TECH INDUSTRY RESHAPES THE WAR People take shelter inside an overcrowded metro station during a Russian missile and drone strike amid Russia's attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, July 30, 2026. (Alina Smutko/Reuters) "It is important that our partners fully understand what is happening and that the protection of lives directly depends on their readiness, or lack thereof, to help us with air defense missiles," Zelenskyy said. The Ukrainian president made the appeal after returning from the United States, where he met with President Donald Trump. Trump recently announced at the NATO summit in Turkey that the United States would license Ukraine to manufacture Patriot air defense systems, according to The Associated Press. "First and foremost, this concerns the United States and those partners that have Patriot missiles and can provide them to support our defense," Zelenskyy wrote. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President Donald Trump at the White House during his visit to Washington, D.C., July 28, 2026. "Every partner knows what is needed and fully understands the consequences of marking time." Fox News Digital's Emma Bussey and Reuters contributed to this report. Michael Sinkewicz is a writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to michael.sinkewicz@fox.com