Biggest drone attack on Kyiv by Russia.

Russia Launches Record Drone Attack on Kyiv Ahead of City’s Anniversary Celebrations

Russia has launched a wave of air strikes on Kyiv on the eve of the anniversary of the city’s founding, in what officials say is the largest drone attack on the Ukrainian capital since the country’s war with Russia began. Ukraine’s Air Force has reported downing 52 out of the 54 drones launched by Russia, with the latter using Iranian-made “kamikaze” drones. It is unclear how many of the drones were able to make it over Kyiv. The pre-dawn attacks, which came on the last Sunday of May, resulted in a 41-year-old man’s death, and also caused extensive damage to numerous buildings in the city.

Russia Targets Military and Critical Infrastructure Facilities

In what is also believed to be the first deadly attack on Kyiv this month and the 14th such assault in May alone, falling debris caused by the attacks claimed the life of the 41-year-old man, with several others injured. France has condemned the attack, calling it a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and a commitment of a war crime. Moscow has intensified its air strikes after a lull of nearly two months with several waves of attacks being made on critical infrastructure and military facilities. The Ukrainian region of Kyiv in particular has been the target of Russia’s latest air strike wave.

City Goes Ahead With Anniversary Celebrations on a Smaller Scale

Ukrainian officials believe that Russia’s latest attack is intended to disrupt Kyiv Day’s celebrations. Andriy Yermak, the head of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s office, has called the history of Ukraine “a long-standing irritant for the insecure Russians”. Despite the attack, the anniversary celebrations will go ahead on a smaller scale. The day, marked by street fairs, live concerts, and special museum exhibitions, typically attracts large crowds.

Counteroffensive Looms as Combat Clashes Ease Around Besieged City

Following the lengthy battle for the besieged city of Bakhmut in southeastern Ukraine, Serhiy Popko, the head of Kyiv’s military administration, said that the latest attack was made in several waves, and that air alert alerts lasted more than five hours. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian counteroffensive looms after 15 months of war, with Moscow stepping up air strikes. Officials have warned that Russia’s increasing aggression represents a significant threat to Ukraine’s national security, with ongoing clashes in other parts of the country intensifying alongside the drone attack on Kyiv.

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