KYIV: Ukrainian officials have reported that Russia launched a drone attack on Kyiv after a 12-day hiatus, but Ukrainian air defence forces swiftly responded, destroying all targets. The attack marks the first drone assault on the Ukrainian capital in nearly two weeks.
Sergiy Popko, head of the Kyiv city military administration, announced the latest attack on social media, stating, “Another enemy air attack on Kyiv.” He confirmed that Ukrainian forces detected and eliminated all hostile targets in the airspace surrounding Kyiv.
Ukraine’s air force released a separate statement, revealing that they had successfully intercepted and downed three cruise missiles and eight Iranian-made attack drones deployed by Russian forces during the overnight assault. The air force specified that the attack involved the launch of eight Shahed drones from the southeast, while three Kalibr missiles were launched from the Black Sea. However, no specific details were provided regarding the nature of the attack in Kyiv.
Contrary to earlier reports, a source familiar with the situation informed AFP that no missile had been shot down over Kyiv during the overnight attack. Nonetheless, falling debris resulted in damage to three houses in the Kyiv region, causing one individual to sustain a leg injury, according to Ruslan Kravchenko, head of the Kyiv regional military administration.
Ukraine Actively Improving War Capabilities
Ukraine has been actively improving its capabilities in countering Russian cruise missiles and drones, seeking assistance from Western allies to enhance its air defence capabilities. The country has experienced a surge in aerial attacks, particularly during the month of May, after a relatively calm period earlier this year.
As tensions persist between Ukraine and Russia, Kyiv remains resolute in its efforts to defend its territory and protect its citizens from further aggression. The successful interception of Russian missiles and drones showcases Ukraine’s increasing proficiency in countering such threats and demonstrates the country’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty.
