Russia launches major missile and drone attack on Ukraine, Kyiv says

Explosions were heard in central Kyiv on Monday morning during rush hour as the Ukrainian military warned of a major Russian missile and drone attack following a wave of early morning drone attacks.

The air force told the Ukrainians that Russia had 11 TU-95 strategic bombers in the air and confirmed the launch of several missiles. Outside the Ukrainian capital, Reuters reporters heard anti-aircraft fire hitting the target.

Local authorities reported an explosion in the northwestern city of Lutsk, saying an apartment building was damaged and they were verifying possible casualties.

The Polish Armed Forces’ Operational Command said on X that Polish and allied aircraft were deployed after Russia launched the attack, which also targeted areas in western Ukraine and near the Polish border.

Ukrainians have been expecting a major Russian missile strike for some time. The US Embassy issued a warning last week about the heightened risk of attack around Ukraine’s Independence Day, which Ukraine celebrates on Saturday.

Ukraine itself has stepped up long-range drone attacks on Russia in an attempt to retaliate against Moscow, which launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

“The desire to destroy our energy resources will cost the Russians dearly: their infrastructure,” Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, said on Telegram, apparently vowing retaliation.

Ukraine’s military said Russia carried out two drone attacks on Monday morning, with initial reports indicating no damage or casualties.

Serhiy Popko, head of the Kyiv military administration, said on the Telegram messaging app that up to 10 drones were destroyed as they approached the city in the area around Kyiv at around 02:30 GMT.

There was no immediate comment from Russia. Both Russia and Ukraine deny targeting civilians. Each side says its attacks are aimed at destroying infrastructure vital to the other side’s war effort.