Loud Explosion Heard Near Kyiv

A loud explosion was heard in areas outside the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, today, Friday, following the sounding of alarms and warnings from the military about a possible Russian missile attack. Kyiv's Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated, "Air defense forces are operating in the Kyiv area. Stay in your shelters! The missile threat is ongoing." It is unclear whether the explosion indicates that air defenses shot down a target. The Ukrainian public broadcasting agency "Saspilen" reported that residents claimed to have heard explosions in the Khmelnytsky region west of Kyiv. After the alarms sounded, the air force stated that long-range missiles were launched at the Khmelnytsky area and urged Kyiv residents to take shelter. The military later announced the end of the air alert, but no further official information was provided.