On August 19, missile threats were declared in the Kursk region of Russia, prompting acting governor Alexey Smirnov to urge residents to seek shelter in safe areas within their homes. Concurrently, an air alert was issued across Kyiv and several other regions in Ukraine, following the escalation of Russian airstrikes targeting critical infrastructure since October 2022. Ukrainian air defense units were activated to counter the Russian attacks on Kyiv, with reports of blasts heard in the capital as alerts began around 0200 GMT. The situation reflects ongoing tensions and military actions between Ukraine and Russia, with claims from Russian officials denying strikes on civilian areas. This escalation follows a series of attacks and counterattacks, including a notable Ukrainian strike on the Kursk region earlier this month. The conflict continues to impact the safety and security of civilians in both countries.