Shelling of Kyiv

The shelling of Kyiv began on February 24, 2022, the day the full-scale war began. It was then that Russia began attacking the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv. 

The occupiers' missiles began hitting residential buildings, despite Putin's cynical promise that the Russians would shell only strategic facilities. 

The shelling of Kyiv is a direct violation of the laws of war

Missile strikes on residential areas of Kyiv are a violation of the rules of war and humanitarian law. The aggressor, who cynically claimed that it would not shell civilians, has continued to destroy homes and peaceful lives for more than 4 years.

Why Russia shells Kyiv

Putin's primary goal was to capture Kyiv as quickly as possible – explosions in residential areas were supposed to speed up the occupation of the city. The Russians hoped to seize the country in a few days, but instead met colossal resistance – from both the military and civilians.

So, counting on a blitzkrieg, the occupiers had no other plan for capturing Kyiv – shelling from the sky became the only "working" option for the occupiers, and it did not work.

Also, in the winter of 2025–2026, Russia had another goal – to leave Kyiv residents without power for heating. People lived for weeks without electricity and heating at 20 degrees below zero, but did not change their views.

Unfortunately, over 4 years of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, as of February 24, 2026, 236 civilians have been killed in Kyiv, including 25 children.