Military official explains Kyiv's significant damage after missile strikes

"Ballistic missiles are extremely difficult to intercept, but both missiles that targeted Kyiv were shot down," Ihnat said.

Despite being intercepted, missile fragments fell to the ground, causing significant damage.

Ihnat explained that the destruction could also be due to the missile's warhead detonating after being shot down, emphasizing the need to follow safety protocols during air alerts.

Earlier on Jan. 18, the Air Force reported that Russia launched four Iskander-M/KN-23 missiles at Ukraine, with air defenses downing two in Kyiv Oblast. Fragments fell in the Shevchenkivskyi district of the capital.

Additionally, Russia launched 39 drones overnight, with 24 shot down across 12 regions, while 14 enemy drone decoys were destroyed.

Russian ballistic missile attack on Kyiv on Jan. 18

At about 5:50 a.m. on Jan. 18, powerful explosions rocked Kyiv, just as an air raid alert was announced. Russian forces launched ballistic missiles at the capital, killing four people, according to the Kyiv Military Administration (KMVA).

In the Shevchenkivskyi district, the Lukyanivska metro station entrance was damaged and temporarily closed, Mayor Vitalii Klitschko reported. A McDonald's restaurant and a water main in Lukyanivka were also hit.

The State Emergency Service reported partial destruction of an administrative building and a store, damage to 10 cars, and fires breaking out in the area.