Ukraine: Ukrainian officials report missile attacks targeting urban centers across Ukraine Oct. 31

Event

Ukrainian officials reported a wave of Russian missile attacks targeting critical infrastructure in urban centers across Ukraine the morning of Oct. 31. The attacks targeted cities in the Kyiv, Lviv, Cherkasy, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Vinnytsia, and Zaporizhzhia regions. Ukrainian military officials claim air defense systems shot down 44 of around 50 missiles, but explosions were reported in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro. Electricity and water outages are reportedly ongoing following the attacks. It is unclear when power will be restored in the affected areas. Casualty numbers are not yet confirmed.

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.

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.