Explosions rang out in central Kiev during the morning rush hour on Monday, as the Ukrainian military warned of a major missile and drone attack by Russia following a series of drone strikes in the early hours.
The Russian Air Force told Ukraine that Russia had 11 TU-95 strategic bombers in the air and confirmed they had fired several missiles.
Outside the Ukrainian capital, a Reuters reporter heard the sounds of air defence forces striking targets.
Local authorities reported an explosion in the northwestern city of Lutsk, said an apartment building had been damaged and they were investigating whether there were any possible casualties.
The Polish military’s operational command said on the 10th that Polish and allied aircraft had been deployed after Russia launched attacks targeting areas in western Ukraine and near the Polish border.
Ukrainians have been expecting a major Russian missile attack for some time.
The U.S. Embassy warned last week of an increased risk of attacks around Ukrainian Independence Day, which Ukraine celebrated on Saturday.
Ukraine itself has stepped up long-range drone attacks against Russia in retaliation for Moscow launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
“The desire to destroy our energy, their infrastructure will cause great damage to Russia,” Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelensky, said in a Telegram message, appearing to vow retaliation.
Russia launched two waves of drone attacks early on Monday, according to the Ukrainian military, but initial reports said there were no damage or casualties.
Serhiy Popko, the head of Kyiv’s military administration, said on the Telegram messaging app that up to 10 drones were destroyed in areas surrounding Kyiv as they approached the city at around 2:30 a.m.
There has been no immediate comment from Russia.
Both Russia and Ukraine deny targeting civilians.
Both countries say the attacks were aimed at destroying infrastructure critical to the other country’s war effort.
