Russia intensified hostilities with an extensive drone attack on Kyiv, following the 2022 invasion. Beginning at 4 am, the assault lasted over six hours, deploying 75 Iranian-made drones, of which Ukrainian forces intercepted 71. Kyiv, the main target, faced unprecedented damage, causing power outages in 77 buildings. Ukrainian Air Force Commander Oleshchuk highlighted their resilient defense, with over 60 air targets shot down. The attack, impacting military and civilian infrastructure, injured five civilians, including an 11-year-old, emphasizing Ukraine’s preparedness amid escalating aggression.
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In a significant escalation of hostilities since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia executed its most intense drone attack on the capital city, Kyiv. The assault, which commenced at 4 am on Saturday, unfolded in waves over a span of more than six hours. The Ukrainian armed forces reported that Moscow deployed approximately 75 Iranian-made Shahed drones in the attack, with 71 being successfully intercepted and destroyed by Ukrainian air defense systems.
Kyiv, identified as the primary target, experienced the brunt of the assault, marking it as the most extensive drone attack on the city to date. Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk, posting on Telegram, confirmed the intensity of the attack, highlighting the resilience of Ukrainian defenses. Throughout the morning, air defense units managed to shoot down over 60 air targets over the capital.
The impact of the drone assault extended beyond the military realm, causing power outages in 77 residential buildings and 120 institutions, as reported by Serhii Popko, head of the Kyiv city administration. The aftermath of the attack revealed damages to several buildings, including a kindergarten, resulting in injuries to at least five civilians.
Among the wounded was an 11-year-old child, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
The coordinated and extensive nature of this drone attack underscores the evolving tactics in the conflict, with both military and civilian infrastructure bearing the brunt of the assault. The successful defense by Ukrainian forces against the overwhelming drone swarm reflects the resilience and preparedness of the nation in the face of escalating aggression.