Russia launches ‘massive attack’ on Kyiv and surrounding region – Europe live

At least 12 people were killed and 40 injured in a series of Russian attacks on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. There is destruction in Kyiv and the region, as well as in the Odesa and Chernihiv regions,” Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The attack will likely draw further attention to Ukraine’s shortage of air defence missiles.

And as long as Ukraine does not have enough anti-ballistic defence, Russia will not consider peace seriously,” Zelenskyy warned this morning. Pledging with allies to send more Patriot interceptors to help protect Ukraine, he stressed that “every additional missile saves the lives of our people.” More drone attack warnings from Kyiv were going live this morning. Responding to the overnight attacks, Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko declared Friday a day of mourning in the city.

I will bring you more updates throughout the day. It’s Thursday, 20 August 2026, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.