KYIV, UKRAINE – Russian forces unleashed a massive, coordinated missile and drone attack on Kyiv in the early hours of Friday, November 14, 2025, striking targets in nearly every district of the Ukrainian capital. The assault, described by city officials as a "massive enemy attack," resulted in widespread fires, damage to dozens of residential buildings, and injuries to at least 12 people.

The attack began at approximately 12:45 a.m. East Africa Time (EAT) with waves of explosions reported across the city as Ukrainian air defence systems engaged the incoming threats. Kyiv’s Mayor, Vitali Klitschko, and the head of the city's military administration, Tymur Tkachenko, confirmed that both drones and various types of missiles, including ballistic and cruise missiles, were used in the assault. Tkachenko stated, "The Russians are hitting residential buildings. There are a great many damaged multi-storey apartment buildings, in practically every district."

According to Klitschko, at least 11 multi-story residential buildings were struck. Fires were reported in multiple districts, including on the roof of a five-story building in the Solomianskyi district and on several floors of apartment blocks in the Dniprovskyi and Podilskyi districts. Debris from intercepted munitions also fell on a school, a medical facility, and other non-residential buildings, causing further damage and igniting car fires.

Emergency services were dispatched city-wide. At least 12 people were injured, with five hospitalized, including a pregnant woman and one man reported to be in critical condition, according to statements from Mayor Klitschko. In the wider Kyiv region, an additional six people were injured, including a child, as reported by Governor Mykola Kalashnyk.

Targeting Critical Infrastructure

The attack also inflicted significant damage on Kyiv's critical infrastructure. Mayor Klitschko confirmed that sections of the city's heating network were damaged, leaving some buildings in the Desnyansky district without heat as winter approaches. He warned residents of possible disruptions to electricity and water supplies, and power outages were reported in several districts during the attack. This assault is part of a broader, intensified Russian campaign targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, a strategy aimed at crippling the country's power grid ahead of the cold winter months. The United Nations has previously warned that such attacks create extreme hardship for civilians, particularly the most vulnerable.

Global Context and Kenyan Relevance

This escalation occurs as the full-scale war, initiated by Russia in February 2022, continues with entrenched fighting along the front lines. Internationally, the attack drew condemnation and renewed calls for support for Ukraine. The G7 and European Union have been exploring further sanctions against Russia and ways to utilize frozen Russian assets to aid Kyiv.

While the direct impact on Kenya is not immediate, the continuation and intensification of the conflict have significant indirect consequences for the East African nation. The war has previously disrupted global supply chains, leading to increased prices for fuel, fertilizer, and wheat, a staple commodity for which Kenya relies on imports, including from the Black Sea region. A 2022 study highlighted that the war's impact on global commodity prices may have cost the Kenyan economy up to 2.8% of its GDP. The conflict has also affected global food security, with organizations like the World Food Program noting the severe impact on the Horn of Africa.

Furthermore, the conflict has a direct human dimension for Kenya. On Wednesday, November 13, 2025, Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi confirmed that over 200 Kenyan citizens, some of them former security personnel, are fighting for Russian forces in Ukraine, many allegedly recruited through deceptive means. This development underscores the global reach of the conflict and presents complex diplomatic and security challenges for Nairobi. The increasing Russian influence in Kenya, aimed at shifting its traditionally pro-Western stance, adds another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape.

As Ukrainian authorities assess the full extent of the damage in Kyiv, residents have been urged to remain in shelters until air raid alerts are lifted. The ongoing nature of the attacks signals a grim period ahead for the capital and the nation.