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Russia deploys 32 kamikaze drones in attack on Kyiv, 25 intercepted

Russia deploys 32 kamikaze drones in attack on Kyiv, 25 intercepted

An explosion of a drone is seen in Kyiv after overnight Russian drone attacks. 

Kyiv military officials reported that Ukraine was targeted by a total of 32 Russian drones, with 25 of them successfully intercepted and neutralised.

"The occupiersattackedUkrainewith32kamikazedrones... of which25were destroyed by Ukrainian air defence forces. TheRussianoccupiers directed most of the attack UAVs to theKyivregion,"Ukraine's armed forces said in a statement.

Air defence system in action

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Kyiv's air defence system sprung into action as multiple drones approached the city, causing a series of explosions that sent shockwaves throughout the region. An AFP journalist present in Kyiv at the time reported hearing approximately ten explosions, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Kyiv's Mayor, Vitali Klitschko, took to Telegram to provide updates and guidance to the public. He confirmed the presence of an active air defence system in the Kyiv region and the city itself, acknowledging the imminent threat posed by additional unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) heading toward Kyiv.

"Air defence system is working in Kyiv region and in the capital. More UAVs are moving in the direction of Kyiv," Mayor Klitschko wrote.

In the aftermath of the attack, medical teams were deployed in Kyiv's Podilskyi district to assist individuals who had experienced severe stress reactions due to the falling debris.

Debris and fire

Reports indicated that debris from the drone attack fell in various parts of the city, including the districts of Sviatoshynskyi and Shevchenkivskyi. In Shevchenkivskyi, falling debris led to a fire in a residential building, though quick action from the building's occupants prevented further damage. Additionally, debris sparked another fire in Sovky Park, a well-known area in Kyiv.

Information regarding casualties and the extent of destruction is still being gathered, with emergency services responding to incidents across the affected areas.

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Kyiv City Military Administration Head, Sergiy Popko, stressed the need for residents to remain vigilant and seek refuge in shelters until the conclusion of the air alert, reinforcing the seriousness of the situation.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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