Kyiv Under Siege: New Wave of Russian Drone Attacks Leaves One Dead, Dozens Downed
Kyiv Under Siege: New Wave of Russian Drone Attacks Leaves One Dead, Dozens Downed
Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, has endured another massive drone assault by Russian forces, resulting in at least one fatality and one injury. Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko confirmed that a man died when drone debris struck near a petrol station, while a woman sustained injuries.
Ukraine’s Air Force reported an unprecedented launch of 54 Russian ‘kamikaze’ drones targeting Ukrainian cities, with an impressive 52 successfully intercepted. Over 40 of these drones were shot down over Kyiv alone, according to Ukrainian officials, though independent verification is ongoing.
The intensified attacks, which follow Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, appear aimed at overwhelming Kyiv’s robust air defenses. Falling drone fragments ignited fires in two high-rise buildings and warehouses in the southern Holosiyivsky district.
President Volodymyr Zelensky lauded the effectiveness of Ukraine’s air defense and rescue services, stating, “Every time you shoot down enemy drones and missiles, lives are saved… you are heroes!”
The timing of the attacks has led some officials to suggest Russia deliberately targeted Kyiv residents as they prepared to celebrate Kyiv Day, the city’s 1,500-year foundation anniversary and a cherished pre-war holiday. Air raid alerts were activated across 12 Ukrainian regions, with explosions also reported in Zhytomyr, west of Kyiv.
These recent barrages, utilizing both kamikaze drones and various cruise and ballistic missiles, coincide with Ukraine’s heightened preparations for a major counter-offensive. A senior security official indicated that an operation to reclaim territory from Russian forces could commence imminently.
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