Russian drone strikes killed two people and injured at least 43 others in Kyiv on Wednesday, damaging residential and commercial buildings, railway infrastructure and other civilian facilities as waves of drones targeted the Ukrainian capital.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the casualty toll had reached 43 injured by 5 p.m. local time, while emergency crews continued working at multiple sites across the city. Earlier reports had put the number of wounded considerably lower as the attack was still unfolding.

The attacks began overnight and continued into Wednesday morning, forcing residents to take shelter during repeated air-raid alerts. Ukrainian officials said Russia launched waves of drones against several districts of Kyiv, including Holosiivskyi, Darnytskyi and Solomianskyi.

A fire broke out at the historic Shayba railway market near Kyiv Central Railway Station. The distinctive circular structure, built in the 1970s as an experimental indoor market, was badly damaged in the attack.

Ukraine's state railway operator Ukrzaliznytsia said railway infrastructure in Kyiv was also hit and that one of its employees was injured. The company later said the Central Railway Station itself had not been damaged.

Several other civilian and commercial sites were affected.

In Solomianskyi district, a Russian drone struck a nine-story residential building, according to Klitschko. Drone debris also fell between residential buildings and caused a fire at a transportation company.

In Holosiivskyi district, a drone crashed into a four-story business center, while a gas station and warehouses were also damaged. Another fire broke out at a warehouse in Darnytskyi district.

Damage to data centers operated by internet providers also caused network disruptions in parts of Kyiv.

Black smoke could be seen rising over several parts of the capital as firefighters and emergency crews responded to the attacks. Schoolchildren and other residents sought refuge in Kyiv's metro system as drones flew over the city during the morning rush hour.

One resident of Solomianskyi district told local media that a powerful explosion early Wednesday caused windows to blow open in nearby buildings. She described the area as predominantly residential, with apartment buildings, shops and offices.

The attack came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was in New York for the United Nations General Assembly. Zelenskyy said Russian forces had launched numerous drones against Kyiv and accused Moscow of targeting civilian and critical infrastructure, including railways, communications facilities, fuel stations and commercial sites.

Russia has not publicly commented on the specific damage and casualty figures reported by Ukrainian authorities.

Ukraine's Air Force said Russia had launched 161 attack drones across the country over the previous day, including Shahed-type drones, jet-powered variants and decoy drones. Ukrainian officials have increasingly warned that the use of faster, jet-powered drones is placing additional pressure on the country's air-defense systems.

The September 23 attack came amid a sustained increase in Russian aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. Reuters reported this week that Russia's expanded use of jet-powered Shahed drones has complicated Ukraine's air-defense efforts, particularly around Kyiv.

Ukrainian officials have repeatedly warned residents to remain prepared for prolonged periods of drone and missile attacks. Wednesday's assault again disrupted daily life in the capital, with residents sheltering underground while emergency crews dealt with fires and damage across the city.

The full extent of the damage remained under assessment as authorities continued clearing debris and inspecting affected buildings. (ILKHA)