Russian Drones Attack Kyiv, City Fire Erupts, Residents Flee to Shelters

(Taipei, July 2nd, CNA Foreign News) The Russian military launched a drone attack on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, this evening, causing a hotel and a building in the city center to catch fire, with debris scattered across two districts of the city.

According to reports from Reuters and Agence France-Presse, a loud explosion was heard in the city, followed by thick smoke and flames. Firefighters and ambulances immediately rushed to the scene.

Approximately 50 minutes after the first explosion, another blast occurred nearby, sending debris flying into the air. Residents were seen heading to shelters with sleeping mats.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated on the messaging app Telegram: "A large fire broke out on the top floor of a 3-story non-residential building in the Shevchenkivskyi district."

He later added that "the roof of a hotel" in the same area also caught fire.

Klitschko urged residents to remain in shelters as the capital continues to be attacked!

Earlier today, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he had received intelligence indicating an imminent large-scale attack by Russia, prompting his urgent return from a visit to Dublin.

He said at a press conference: Russian President Vladimir Putin "has long prepared for this large-scale strike against Ukraine." (Compiled by Chi Chin-ling) 1150702

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