Authorities in Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, urged residents on Friday to stay indoors as much as possible after a wave of Russian strikes the previous night sparked fires across the city and triggered a sharp spike in air pollution.
The military administration said pollutants had failed to disperse due to a combination of the fires and a lack of wind, leaving a smoky haze hanging over central neighbourhoods.
Deadly Overnight Barrage
At least 30 people were killed between late Wednesday and early Thursday in what Ukrainian officials described as Russia's largest attack on Kyiv since the invasion began more than four years ago.
The strikes set multiple buildings on fire, sending columns of dark smoke rising over several districts of the city. AFP reporters in central Kyiv observed a lingering smoky haze over the skyline and reported a pungent odour in the air.
Health Warnings for Residents
"Due to fires caused by the enemy attack on the night of July 2, as well as a lack of wind, pollutants have not dispersed in the atmosphere," Kyiv's military administration said in a statement posted on Telegram.
Officials advised residents to take precautions to protect their health. "To improve the air quality situation, it is recommended to close windows, limit time outdoors, drink plenty of water, (and) if you have an air purifier, turn it up to maximum," the administration added.