KYIV: Russia launched a barrage of drones and cruise and ballistic missiles at Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities in the early hours of Monday, marking one of the most intense bombardments in recent weeks.
The barrage included a combination of cruise and ballistic missiles, as well as drones, which struck Kyiv and other locations such as Kharkiv, Dnipro, Poltava, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhzhia.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that more than 35 missiles and approximately 23 drones were used in the attack, of which Ukrainian defences managed to intercept 22 missiles and 20 drones. Despite these efforts, debris from intercepted weapons caused huge damage and injuries in Kyiv.
In Kyiv, multiple districts experienced explosions, including Holosiivskyi, Solomianskyi, and Shevchenkivskyi, where falling debris injured at least one person. The Ukrainian Interior Ministry confirmed that the debris from the intercepted missiles and drones caused fires and damaged two kindergartens.
Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, also faced severe bombardment. Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv region, confirmed an attack on the Industrialnyi district, which resulted in fires engulfing a residential building and several other structures.
This latest escalation comes just a day after Russia reported intercepting and destroying 158 Ukrainian drones targeting various Russian regions. The intense aerial attacks from both sides demonstrate a continued commitment to aggressive tactics.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Ukraine’s recent offensive into the Kursk region would not deter Russian forces from their advances in the Donetsk region. The conflict, now extending beyond 900 days, sees both nations engaged in ambitious ground offensives. Ukrainian forces have been pushing into Russia’s Kursk region, while Russian troops continue their advance deeper into Donetsk, part of the industrial Donbas region.
READ ALSO : Putin Says Kursk Intrusion will not Stop Moscow’s Advance in Ukraine
The U.K. Defense Ministry reported that Russian forces have intensified their push towards the Donetsk stronghold of Povkrosk, now believed to be within 10 kilometers of the city. Along the extensive front line, however, no significant changes have been noted in recent days.
Russian air defences have claimed to intercept a significant number of Ukrainian drones, including several over Moscow and its surrounding regions.
In response to the attacks, Andrii Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office, vowed on Telegram that “there will be an answer for everything,” emphasizing a resolve to retaliate against ongoing aggressions.
The relentless bombardments have led to disruptions in daily life, including cancellations of school classes in affected areas. As children prepare to return to school across Ukraine, the ongoing conflict and its impact on civilian infrastructure remain a pressing concern.
