Ukrainian officials stated that the biggest drone attack on Kyiv occurred before the anniversary of 482 A.D.
Ukraine’s Air Force stated in a Telegram statement that “record numbers” of 54 Iranian “Shahed ” drones launched from Russia were launched into the city over night, but added that they had shot down 52. NBC News could not independently verify the figures.
According to the statement, the attack targeted primarily military installations and critical infrastructure located in the middle of Ukraine, which included Kyiv.
The Kyiv City Military Authority stated in a separate Telegram message that the attack was “performed in several waves and the air alert continued for more than five hours.”
The statement added that this was “the largest drone attack on the Capital since the full-scale invasion began, with the “Shahed” barrage of ammunition.”
“Shahed drones” are self detonating aerial weapon that can loiter above a target and destroy the weapon when instructed. It is believed that Iran has sent hundreds of these missiles to Russiasince its invasion in February.
The military authority reported that at least one person died and another was hospitalized after being struck by falling debris from buildings which were struck.
The debris also caused fires to spread from a shopping mall and three-story warehouse, resulting in destruction of 10,800 square foot.
A rescuer puts out a fire after a massive drone attack on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Sunday.
PAVLO PETROV / AFP – Getty Images
Vitali Klitchko – Kyiv mayor – also posted on Telegram that there were fires in the historical neighborhood of Perchersk, located in the center of the city, and which is known for its famous monastery with relics from saints.
Ukraine, backed by advanced Western systems, has proven to be adept at stopping Russian air attacks – both drones as well as aircraft missiles. In May, Ukraine shot down all missiles that were aimed at Kyiv.
Kyiv was preparing to celebrate the anniversary of its official founding. The latest attacks occurred as the city prepared for the celebration. The city usually celebrates the day with street fairs, fireworks, and live concerts. This year, however, there will be fewer festivities to mark the 1,541st Anniversary of Kyiv.
Andriy Yerimak, head of the Volodymyr Zelenskyy office on Telegram said that “the history of Ukraine has been a longstanding irritation to complex Russians.” “Ancient Kyiv… Ukrainian Kyiv…UAV attack.”
As speculation intensified about an anticipated counteroffensive by Ukrainian forces, the attack occurred.
“We are preparing our battlefields for the next phase of war. The war is underway. There are many measures being taken in various sectors on the front lines,” Mykhailo Podolyak told NBC News. He is a senior advisor to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Podolyak, who admitted that preparations were well underway, also praised a slickly-produced video posted by Valerii Zaluzhnyi on Telegram, the commander in Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
The image showed Ukrainian soldiers training, taking an oath, and preparing to fight, with the caption, “The time is now for us to reclaim what’s ours.”
Podolyak stated that if Ukraine’s top military officer suggests this, he will have a valid reason. He said that this showed “that Ukraine may be almost ready to launch a large operation aimed at liberating its territories.”
Molly Hunter, Reuters and Reuters all contributed.
