Kyiv hit by fresh Russian drone attacks

Russia has hit Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, with a heavy new drone attack overnight, May 27, resulting in one death and one injury, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko.

Visegrad 24 posted on Twitter echoing the official report from Ukraine’s Air Force saying: “The city of Kyiv is celebrating its 1541th birthday today. Russia decided to launch the largest suicide drone attack yet. 54 drones targeted the city overnight, 52 were shot down. Kyiv will never be dominated by Russia again!”

The city of Kyiv is celebrating its 1541th birthday today.

Russia decided to launch the largest suicide drone attack yet.

54 drones targeted the city overnight, 52 were shot down.

Kyiv will never be dominated by Russia again! pic.twitter.com/V7dOFxgCAj

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) May 28, 2023

High-rise buildings in various parts of the capital were still set ablaze as destroyed drone fragments fell from the sky as well as some warehouses in the Holosiyivsky district.

President Volodymyr Zelensky was reported by the BBC as saying of the air defence teams: “You look up to destroy enemy missiles, aircraft, helicopters, and drones. Every time you shoot down enemy drones and missiles, lives are saved… you are heroes!”

However, the attacks left residents in a state of shock and fear, commenting on their distress at close drone encounters, blinding lights and terrifying explosions.

Russia has been accused of deliberately targeting Kyiv as the city prepared to celebrate Kyiv Day, on its formidable 1541st  anniversary since its foundation. Reports of air raid alerts and explosions came from other parts of the country.

Kamikaze drones, cruise and ballistic missiles were apparently used by Russia who seem to be upping their campaign again as Ukraine prepares for a counter-offensive. Both sides have been engaged in escalating drone attacks, targeting critical infrastructure and military installations.

Russia aims to run down Ukraine’s air defence capabilities and damage launch systems. Ukraine has been targeting key locations in the occupied regions.

With rising tensions, there are concerns that far from ending the conflict, fighting could be further escalated by the continued supply of weapons to Ukraine by Western allies. Meanwhile, President Zelensky has sought sanctions against Iran, who have reportedly been supplying Russia with drones.