Kiev says Russia launched massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine

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Explosions were heard in central Kiev during rush hour on Monday morning, as the Ukrainian military warned of the possibility of a massive Russian missile and drone attack following multiple drone strikes in the early hours of the morning.

The Air Force told the Ukrainians that Russia had 11 TU-95 strategic bombers in the air and confirmed that multiple missiles were launched.

On the outskirts of the Ukrainian capital, Reuters reporters heard the sound of anti-aircraft missiles striking their targets.

In this photo taken from a video released by the Russian Ministry of Defense on Sunday, August 25, 2024, a Russian Army Buk-2M self-propelled medium-range surface-to-air missile system fires at an aerial target at an undisclosed location in Ukraine. — In this photo taken from a video released by the Russian Ministry of Defense on Sunday, August 25, 2024, a Russian Army Buk-2M self-propelled medium-range surface-to-air missile system fires at an aerial target in an undisclosed area of Ukraine. Associated Press

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

The Polish Armed Forces’ combat command said on the 10th that Polish and allied fighter jets had been dispatched after Russia launched the attack, which also targeted areas near western Ukraine and the Polish border.

Ukrainians have been worried for some time about a massive Russian missile attack.

The U.S. Embassy warned last week that the risk of attack was elevated around Ukraine’s Independence Day celebrations on Saturday.

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

On August 25, 2024, Russian troops launched Iskander-M missiles to attack residential areas near the Sapphire Hotel in Kramatorsk, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, causing destruction. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

“The Russians are trying to destroy our energy, and there will be a heavy price to pay: their infrastructure,” Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, said on Telegram, appearing to vow retaliation.

The Ukrainian military said Russia launched two waves of drone attacks early Monday and initial information showed no damage or casualties.

As many as 10 drones were destroyed as they approached cities in the region surrounding Kiev, Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, said on the Telegram messaging app at around 02:30 GMT.

There was no immediate comment from Russia.

Both Russia and Ukraine deny targeting civilians.

Both sides claimed that their attacks were aimed at destroying infrastructure vital to the other side’s war efforts.

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