Explosions could be heard ringing out in Kyiv as Russia launched its first missile attack on the Ukrainian capital since August.

Residents were urged to take cover as blasts rang out over the city on Wednesday morning as missiles and ballistics were launched by strategic bombers.

Kyiv has faced Russian drone attacks almost nightly for several weeks, though Russia has not struck the city with missiles since Aug 26, killing seven people and damaging energy facilities.

Ukrainians have been waiting nervously anticipating a missile attack, worried that it could further damage its energy system ahead of what is expected to be a harsh winter beset by blackouts.

The attack comes amid a fresh counteroffensive by Russia in Kursk, which was invaded by Ukraine in August. Moscow’s troops failed to launch 20 assaults on Kyiv’s positions in the region on Tuesday, according to the Ukrainian army.