Explosions echoed through central Kyiv on Monday morning, coinciding with rush hour, as Ukraine's military issued a warning about a significant Russian missile and drone assault, following earlier drone strikes in the early hours. The air force informed Ukrainians that Russia had 11 TU-95 strategic bombers airborne and confirmed the launch of multiple missiles. Reuters reporters, stationed outside the Ukrainian capital, reported hearing air defenses intercepting targets. Authorities in the northwestern city of Lutsk reported explosions and noted damage to an apartment block, with ongoing checks for potential casualties. The Operational Command of the Polish armed forces announced on X that Polish and allied aircraft were activated in response to Russia's attack, which also targeted western Ukraine and areas near the Polish border.
Ukrainians had anticipated a major Russian missile attack for some time. The US embassy had warned last week of heightened attack risks around Ukrainian Independence Day, celebrated on Saturday. Ukraine has intensified its long-range drone attacks against Russia in an attempt to retaliate against Moscow's full-scale invasion launched in February 2022. "The intent to destroy our energy infrastructure will be costly for the Russians," stated Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff, on Telegram, hinting at potential retaliation. Earlier on Monday, Russia launched two waves of drone attacks, according to Ukraine's military, with initial reports indicating no damage or casualties. Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv's military administration, reported on the Telegram messaging app that up to 10 drones were destroyed as they approached the city around Kyiv at approximately 0230 GMT. There was no immediate response from Russia, which, along with Ukraine, denies targeting civilians, claiming their attacks are aimed at critical infrastructure related to the opposing side's war efforts.
