Russia unleashes biggest drone attack on Ukraine’s Kyiv since war began
- Ukraine officials said air defence systems downed 52 of 54 drones over several hours, with most drones moving towards the capital; at least one person died
- Witnesses said many residents stood on balconies, some screaming offensives at Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, as the city prepared to mark Kyiv Day
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday hailed his country’s air defence forces and rescue services after the capital withstood the largest Russian drone attack since the beginning of the invasion.
“You look up to destroy enemy missiles, aircraft, helicopters, and drones. Every time you shoot down enemy drones and missiles, lives are saved... you are heroes!” Zelensky said, also thanking rescuers.
His words came after Russia unleashed the “most important” assault by drones on Kyiv overnight since the start of the invasion, but nearly all were destroyed, military authorities said.
Forty of the 54 drones, launched as the Ukrainian capital prepared to celebrate the anniversary of its founding on Sunday, targeted the capital, killing at least one person.
“In total a record number of explosive drones launched were counted: 54!” Ukraine’s air force said in a Telegram post on Sunday.
“It’s the most important drone attack against the capital since the start of the invasion” in February 2022, the regional military administration said on Telegram.