Kyiv is once again under siege as local officials report a large-scale Russian drone attack that took place overnight, resulting in at least 10 injuries and several active fires throughout the city. According to Kyiv authorities, debris from the drones has collided with a residential building located in the central Shevchenkivskyi district. Footage emerging on social media, though unverified by the BBC, depicts a series of explosions illuminating the night sky as air defense systems engage.
In what has been deemed the most significant aerial assault to date, Ukraine reported that 728 drones and 13 ballistic or cruise missiles targeted cities nationwide in multiple waves. In the early hours following the strikes, Kyiv's military administration confirmed drone hits in six city districts. "Residential buildings, vehicles, warehouses, and non-residential structures are ablaze," stated Tymur Tkachenko, head of the city's administration, in a Telegram post, imploring residents to find shelter until the air raid sirens ceased.
The threat of further drone assaults has been acknowledged by Ukraine’s air force, although it remains unclear if there have been casualties outside of Kyiv. As of now, Russia's military has not issued any comments regarding the reported attack.
In related developments, Ukraine's emergency service, DSNS, revealed that three people were killed as a consequence of a separate airstrike in Kostiantynivka, a town situated near the front line in eastern Ukraine. In response to escalating tensions, the US has resumed the delivery of certain military aid to Ukraine, following a recent halt in critical arms shipments. This ongoing conflict was initiated when Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022, creating an ongoing struggle for sovereignty and peace in the region.
