Explosions echoed across Kyiv on Monday as Ukrainian air defence systems intercepted a barrage of Russian projectiles in a rare daytime attack on the capital.
AFP journalists reported flashes and smoke in the sky while residents sought cover during rush hour.
Ukraine’s air force had warned of a “high-speed target” approaching from the north, near the Russian border.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said drone debris fell in two districts after the air alert ended, with emergency services responding. No casualties were immediately reported.
Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, also came under bombardment. Mayor Ihor Terekhov confirmed one person was wounded and transport infrastructure damaged.
Russian forces have intensified long-range drone and missile strikes in recent months, mainly targeting energy facilities.
The attacks occur as US-led diplomatic efforts to bring Kyiv and Moscow to the negotiating table appear stalled amid the US-Israeli war with Iran.
Moscow has also faced Ukrainian drone strikes recently. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Russian air defences downed around 250 drones approaching the capital.
In southern Ukraine, a 67-year-old man was wounded by a Russian drone in Kherson region, while an 18-year-old man and women aged 48 and 81 were injured in Zaporizhzhia.
Russia claims to have annexed Kherson and Zaporizhzhia (along with Donetsk and Luhansk) in 2022, though it does not fully control them.
