Russia launched one of its largest aerial assaults on Ukraine, unleashing waves of missiles and drones that struck multiple cities, including the capital, Kyiv, leaving at least nine people dead and 96 injured.

The heaviest damage was reported in Kyiv, where four people were killed and 58 others were wounded, among them two children, The Caspian Post reports via South China Morning Post.

Emergency crews raced to search for survivors after a nine-story residential building partially collapsed in the city's Podilskyi district following what officials described as a double-tap strike.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned that people could still be trapped beneath the rubble as rescue operations continued through the morning.

Explosions and fires were reported across several districts of the capital. Burning vehicles, damaged residential towers, shattered windows, and collapsed structures were seen throughout the city. Debris from intercepted missiles and drones ignited fires at gas stations, commercial buildings, and construction sites, while damage was also reported at a medical clinic and business center.

The attacks extended beyond Kyiv. In the central city of Dnipro, at least five people were killed and 25 injured after missiles and drones struck residential neighborhoods. Images circulating online showed partially collapsed buildings and extensive destruction. More than 20 victims required hospitalization, including a 13-year-old girl.

Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, also came under heavy attack. Multiple drones and missiles hit several districts, damaging apartment buildings, vehicles, and administrative facilities. At least 10 people were injured.

Communities in the wider Kyiv region were also affected, with damage reported to homes, warehouses, and other buildings in Bucha and Vyshhorod.

The scale of the assault prompted neighboring Poland to activate air defense measures. Poland's Air Force confirmed that Polish and allied military aircraft were scrambled overnight to safeguard NATO airspace as the attack unfolded near the alliance's eastern border.