Kiev officials claim that Russia attacked Ukraine with 16 Iran-made drones just one day after Moscow struck cities across the war-torn country with the latest barrage of missiles, deemed to be one of the largest since the conflict began on February 24.
According to the BBC, the Ukrainian military stated that all of Friday’s drones were destroyed.
An air alert was issued in Kiev shortly after 2 a.m. on Friday, and residents were advised to seek shelter.
Five of the drones were shot down in the air, and two were shot down “on approach,” according to Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko, as reported by the BBC.
There were no reported injuries in Kiev, but windows in two buildings were damaged, according to Klitschko.
According to the presidential office, one of the drones also started a fire in a four-story administrative building.
Ukraine’s military said on Thursday that 69 missiles were launched, with air defenses intercepting 54 of them.
The attack came from “various directions with air and sea-based cruise missiles,” according to the Air Force, who also said a number of “kamikaze” drones were used.
According to Interior Minister Denys Monastyrskyi, at least three people were killed and six were injured.
Dozens of Russian attacks have hit Ukraine in recent weeks, causing widespread power outages.
The attack on Thursday came just hours after the Kremlin rejected Ukraine’s proposal that peace talks begin in 2023.
Source:OCN