Explosions Shake Kyiv Following Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Warehouses

Explosions were reported in Kyiv shortly after the Ukrainian Air Force issued a warning on Telegram about an incoming ballistic missile attack, according to correspondents in the city. One of the blasts was powerful enough to trigger car alarms in the city center.

Emergency services confirmed at least one fatality and 13 injuries, stating that the shelling affected five districts of the capital. Kyiv's mayor, Vitali Klitschko, along with local authorities, reported that the nighttime strikes caused fires and damaged buildings in several neighborhoods.

A residential building in the Solomianskyi district was hit, sparking a fire in a large store, while a house caught fire in the Sviatoshynskyi district. Additional reports indicated strikes on a shopping and entertainment center in the Dniprovskyi district, a residential building in the Shevchenkivskyi district, and an office building.

Ukrainian Drone Strikes Inside Russia

On Saturday, Ukraine conducted drone attacks targeting warehouses in the Moscow and Tambov regions belonging to the major e-commerce platform Wildberries. These attacks resulted in eight deaths and large fires. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted on X that two large logistics facilities in Moscow and Tambov, located over 500 and 700 kilometers from the front line respectively, were hit. He stated these centers were used to supply sanctioned components utilized in producing drones and navigation equipment.

Ukraine has intensified its attacks on Russian territory in recent months as a response to Russian shelling of its regions. Ukrainian strikes have targeted Russian oil facilities, exacerbating a severe fuel crisis in one of the world's largest oil-producing countries.

Russian authorities reported intercepting approximately 1,892 Ukrainian drones heading toward Moscow between July 11 and 18.

Meanwhile, Russian strikes on Ukraine on Saturday killed five people and injured about 20 others in southeastern areas of the country.

Protests Amid Ongoing Conflict

Amid the escalating war, thousands gathered in major Ukrainian cities for the third consecutive day on Saturday to protest the resignation of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who enjoys popularity among Ukrainians. These demonstrations coincided with the president holding two-day meetings with senior military leaders amid media speculation that he might consider replacing army commander Oleksandr Syrskyi.

Several disputes have occurred between the army commander and the defense minister in recent months.