Central Kyiv was rocked by explosions early Monday morning during the busy rush hour as Ukraine’s military issued a warning of a significant Russian missile and drone offensive. This came on the heels of multiple drone strikes that occurred in the early hours of the day.
Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia had deployed 11 TU-95 strategic bombers and confirmed the launch of several missiles. In response, air defenses around Kyiv were activated, as confirmed by Reuters reporters who witnessed the defensive measures in action.
Local authorities have reported explosions in the northwestern city of Lutsk, where damage has been reported to an apartment building, and efforts are underway to assess potential casualties.
The Polish armed forces’ Operational Command announced on X (formerly Twitter) that Polish and allied aircraft were deployed in response to the Russian attack, which also targeted areas in Ukraine’s west and regions near the Polish border.
Anticipation of a major Russian missile strike had been building, with the U.S. embassy issuing a warning last week about an increased risk of attack around Ukraine’s Independence Day, celebrated on Saturday.
In response, Ukraine has intensified its own long-range drone strikes against Russian targets, seeking to retaliate against Moscow following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff to President Volodymyr Zelensky, vowed on Telegram that Russia would face severe consequences for its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, suggesting that Russian infrastructure would be targeted in retaliation.
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Earlier on Monday, Russia conducted two waves of drone strikes, though initial reports indicated no significant damage or casualties. According to Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, up to ten drones were intercepted and destroyed before reaching the city around 0230 GMT.
Russia has not yet commented on the latest developments. Both Russia and Ukraine have denied targeting civilians, asserting that their respective attacks are aimed at crucial infrastructure to weaken the other’s war efforts.
