Explosions echoed through central Kyiv on Monday morning during rush hour as Ukraine’s military issued a warning of a large-scale Russian missile and drone assault, following earlier waves of drone attacks. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia had deployed 11 TU-95 strategic bombers and confirmed the launch of several missiles.
Outside Kyiv, Reuters correspondents reported hearing air defense systems engaging incoming targets. In the northwestern city of Lutsk, local authorities confirmed explosions, with an apartment building sustaining damage. Officials are currently verifying the possibility of casualties.
The Polish armed forces’ Operational Command announced on X (formerly known as Twitter) that both Polish and allied aircraft had been mobilized in response to the Russian attack, which also targeted regions in western Ukraine, near the Polish border.
Ukrainians have been bracing for a significant Russian missile strike for some time. Last week, the U.S. embassy issued a warning about an increased risk of attacks around Ukrainian Independence Day, which was observed on Saturday.
In response, Ukraine has intensified its own long-range drone strikes on Russian targets, aiming to retaliate against Moscow, which launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, warned on Telegram that Russia’s attempts to destroy Ukraine’s energy infrastructure would come at a high cost to Russia’s own infrastructure.
Earlier on Monday, Russia conducted two waves of drone attacks, according to Ukraine’s military, but initial reports indicated no damage or casualties. Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, stated on Telegram that up to 10 drones were intercepted and destroyed as they approached the city around 02:30 GMT.
As of now, there has been no official response from Russia regarding the attacks. Both Russia and Ukraine maintain that their military operations are focused on disabling key infrastructure critical to the other’s war efforts, while denying intentional targeting of civilians.