Russia launched a series of drone attacks on Kiev on Monday morning, but Ukraine’s air defense units successfully defended the city during a more than five-hour-long assault. Witnesses reported hearing explosions in the Ukrainian capital, with what seemed like anti-aircraft defense systems in action and hitting objects in the air.
Commander Sergej Popko stated that all drones launched by Russia were either destroyed by defense systems or neutralized by electronic warfare, resulting in no reported casualties or damage. The mayor of Kyiv, Vitaliy Klitschko, confirmed that fragments of a drone fell on a residential building, with emergency services attending to the scene.
Despite the attack, Ukraine’s air force managed to shoot down 67 out of 73 drones and one of three missiles launched by Russia. Governor Ruslan Kravchenko assured that there was no major damage to key infrastructure or residential areas surrounding the capital, with only fires reported in five districts, but no casualties.
Russia’s airstrikes in September targeted Ukraine’s energy, military, and transport infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties. However, Russia denies the allegations, referring to their actions as a “special military operation.”