Ukraine: Missile strikes and explosions reported in Kyiv, Dnipro, and Odesa, Nov. 17

Event

Ukrainian officials have reported missile attacks targeting Kyiv, Dnipro, and Odesa, Nov. 17. Authorities have stated that energy and infrastructure facilities are being targeted and are advising residents to avoid such facilities. Several explosions have occurred in Dnipro, after which power outages were reported in some parts of the city. Authorities also report that an unspecified infrastructure facility has been struck in Odesa. While air defenses shot down several missiles over Kyiv, damage reports have not yet emerged.

Air defense systems have reportedly responded to attacks in the Cherkasy, Poltava, Kharkiv, and Lviv regions. No reports of damage or casualties have yet emerged from these locations. Air raid alerts remain in force nationwide.

Further aerial attacks are likely. Emergency services will respond to the incidents once air-raid alarms have ceased. Heightened security will be deployed, and travel and business disruptions are likely to continue. Power, water, and telecommunication outages are likely following the attacks.

Advice

Avoid travel to active conflict zones in the Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions of Ukraine; consider leaving these areas by available ground transport if safe to do so. Exercise extreme caution if operating anywhere in Ukraine. Shelter in place if there is fighting or airstrikes in the area. Stay away from windows and exterior walls if officials report incoming rocket or artillery fire. Follow the instructions of local security personnel, especially when instructed to seek refuge in air raid shelters. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations. Due to the threat of unexploded ordnance, avoid off-road travel. Travel on well-used routes only. Do not approach suspected unexploded ordnance. In areas previously occupied by Russian forces, be aware of booby traps.