Kyiv hit by largest Russian drone attack to date

Over 40 drones were shot down over Ukraine's capital Kyiv overnight in what appears to be the largest drone attack since the start of the Russian invasion, according to Ukrainian officials.

A handout picture made available by the Kyiv City Military Administration shows the aftermath of night shelling by shock drones in Kyiv, Ukraine, 28 May 2023 amid the Russian invasion. At least one person died and another one was injured after a drone's debris fell where they were, according the Kyiv City Military Administration report.

Photo: EPA/Kyiv City Military Administration

Ukraine's Air Force reported it managed to down 52 out of the 54 Russia-launched drones, calling it the largest drone strike on Ukraine to date.

Russia has been employing Iranian-made 'kamikaze' drones in Ukraine as part of their military operations.

"It's the 14th drone attack on the capital since the beginning of May. Today, the enemy has decided to 'extend their wishes' to the residents on the occasion of Kyiv Day, using deadly drones," Vitali Klitschko, the city's mayor, said in a statement.

The attack was launched ahead of the last Sunday of May when the capital celebrates Kyiv Day, the anniversary of its official founding 1,541 years ago, according to Reuters.

It has been reported that one person died and three others were injured as a result of the assault.

Kyiv Mayor Klitschko reported the most massive night attack on the city since the beginning of the war. It took place in several waves, and the air raid lasted more than five hours.

At least one person died as a result of the attack, information on the number of victims is being… pic.twitter.com/HRLIRrc8Cf

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) May 28, 2023

The targets of the night attacks were military facilities and civilian infrastructure in central Ukraine, including the Kyiv region.

Authorities are currently assessing damages causes by the assault, Klitschko said.

(ał)

Source: PAP, Reuters