Russian forces attacked Ukraine with hundreds of drones on Wednesday in an unusual daytime bombardment, followed by a barrage of ballistic missiles that struck Kyiv after nightfall. The assault stretched into Thursday, with Ukrainian air defenses working to intercept the incoming munitions.
Business Insider reporters were in the Ukrainian capital during the 24-hour attack, taking shelter with dozens of others in a chilly, tightly packed car park-turned-bomb shelter. Some people slept in cars or claimed beds and couches as the city shook above them, listening to music or watching shows to pass the time.
The overnight barrage saw some munitions evade defensive systems, reducing entire buildings to rubble, according to the report. The scale and duration of the attack marked an intense escalation, with waves continuing well past midnight.
The attack underscores Russia's willingness to sustain high-volume strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure and population centers despite heavy interception rates. For residents, the alternating drone and missile threat creates prolonged periods of danger and disruption.
No official casualty figures or damage assessments were provided in the source material. The lack of immediate data from Ukrainian authorities leaves the full scope of the attack unclear.