Ukraine’s capital Kyiv hit by missiles and drone attacks launched by Russia

The Ukrainian city Kyiv has been attacked by further Russian air strikes, described by one officer as “exceptional in density”.

Ukraine said all 18 rockets were hit down, and video showed air defences destroying targets over the capital.

Officials said a minimum of three people were hurt using drones and rockets during the bombardment. In recent weeks, Russia has stepped up its air strikes ahead of an anticipated Ukrainian offensive in the south.

The air attack alert sounded at about 02:30 local time (23:30 GMT Monday) and was raised two hours later in the eighth raid to strike the capital this month. An unusually high number of loud blasts was heard in the city, as authorities told citizens online that air defence had been triggered.

The leader of Ukraine’s armed forces, Valerii Zaluzhny, said Russia targeted Kyiv from the north, south and east and that 18 air, sea and land-based rockets had been used.

Also read: The Kerala Story controversies, fight between communities in Maharashtra

Serhiy Popko, leader of the Ukrainian military administration, defined the barrage as the “highest number of attack missiles in the quickest period of time”.

“According to initial data, the vast majority of hostile targets in the airspace of Kyiv were seen and destroyed,” he continued.

Kyiv citizens were alerted to keep away from windows as waste from intercepted rockets fell from the sky. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said missile remains had fallen in significant districts, including on the city’s zoo. No animals or workers were hurt.

The Solomyansky community, including the international airport, is reportedly the most severe hit.