Air quality in Kyiv has deteriorated sharply following a massive attack by the Russian Federation
Following one of Russia’s most intense nighttime attacks on Kyiv on August 5, elevated levels of air pollution were recorded in the capital. The situation is worst in the western and eastern parts of the city, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached unhealthy levels.
According to international monitoring data, the highest pollution levels were recorded in the Brovary district, where the AQI stands at 141, corresponding to an unhealthy air quality level.
High levels are also observed in the Svyatoshynsky district—139 units.
Meanwhile, the Darnytskyi district recorded up to 70 units, and the Obolonskyi district—36 units, indicating a significantly better situation.
According to SaveEcoBot, as of 5:00 a.m. on August 5, the average air quality index in Kyiv, calculated using the NowCast methodology for PM2.5 particulate matter, was 78 units. This corresponds to a moderate level of pollution, which may cause discomfort for people with heightened sensitivity.
Experts explain that the deterioration in air quality is linked to fires following Russian strikes, as well as unfavorable weather conditions.
As of this morning, the meteorological readings were as follows:
- air temperature — +21.3°C;
- humidity — 85%;
- atmospheric pressure — 749 mm Hg;
- wind speed — 1 m/s.
Light winds and high humidity prevent the rapid dispersion of combustion products, causing pollutants to accumulate near the ground.
The monitoring graph for the past three weeks shows that the sharpest increase in pollutant concentrations occurred on the night of August 4–5, when Russian troops carried out another large-scale attack on the capital.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is produced during fires, poses a particular danger. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and the circulatory system, increasing the risk of developing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
A similar sharp deterioration in air quality has already been observed in Kyiv following previous massive shelling, when the main causes were also fires at the impact sites and windless weather.
During periods of high air pollution, Kyiv residents are advised to:
- keep windows closed;
- wet-clean their homes;
- drink more clean water;
- turn on an air purifier, if available;
- avoid prolonged walks outdoors, especially for children, the elderly, and those with chronic respiratory conditions.
As a result of a nighttime attack by Russian forces on the Kyiv region on August 5, 2026, 14 people were killed and another 27 civilians were injured. Rescue workers continue to deal with the aftermath of the strikes and extinguish fires in several districts of the region.
Over the past 24 hours, on August 4, Russian troops attacked the Zaporizhzhia region 1,052 times, striking 50 settlements in the region. Two people were injured as a result of shelling in Zaporizhzhia and the Zaporizhzhia district.
