Russia launched a wave of missile and drone strikes against Kyiv and surrounding areas overnight on September 16–17, injuring civilians and damaging residential, educational and other civilian infrastructure, Ukrainian officials said.

At least 12 people, including two children, were injured in Kyiv, according to Ukrainian authorities. Several of those wounded were taken to hospital for treatment.

Explosions were reported across the Ukrainian capital shortly after midnight. According to local reports, the attack intensified in the early hours when ballistic missiles targeted Kyiv, followed by multiple explosions across the city.

Air-raid alerts were issued across large parts of Ukraine as Russian missiles and drones targeted several locations. In Kyiv, drone activity was reported into the morning.

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine said a Russian strike caused a fire at a higher education institution in Kyiv's Holosiivskyi district. Emergency crews extinguished the blaze, while the facade and windows of a four-story building were damaged.

Damage was also reported in Kyiv Oblast. In the Brovary district east of the capital, a fire broke out at a private property, damaging a utility building, agricultural equipment, semi-trailers and a vehicle, according to the Kyiv Oblast Military Administration.

Authorities also reported damage to homes and commercial infrastructure in the Fastiv district.

The overnight assault was part of a continuing series of Russian air attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. Russian forces have increasingly relied on combined drone and missile strikes, with Ukrainian officials repeatedly reporting damage to civilian buildings and infrastructure.

The latest attack came only days after another Russian strike on Kyiv killed one person and injured at least 12 others, according to local authorities.

The continuing attacks have placed further pressure on Ukraine's air-defense systems and emergency services as the war enters another phase of intensified aerial strikes.

Ukrainian authorities have continued to call for stronger air-defense capabilities and additional international support, arguing that protecting major cities and civilian infrastructure remains a critical priority as Russian missile and drone attacks continue. (ILKHA)