Explosions heard in Kyiv amid air alert

KYIV: Multiple explosions were heard as an air alert wailed in Kyiv, AFP journalists reported Thursday, minutes after authorities warned about Russian ballistic missiles heading toward the Ukrainian capital.
The journalists also saw smoke traces in the skies above Kyiv.
Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram that air defense was working and urged residents to take shelter.
“In the Darnytskyi district, missile debris fell in an open area. Emergency services are heading to the scene,” he said in a separate statement.
Darnytskyi is a densely populated residential neighborhood on the left bank of the river Dnieper, which bisects the capital.
Russia has launched drone and missile barrages on Ukraine almost nightly since its 2022 invasion.
Over the past year, Kyiv has been a frequent target of Russian attacks, which have killed civilians and damaged the capital’s historic landmarks.