Russia launches most intense drone attack on Ukraine since start of war

25 November 2023, 16:10

By Kieran Kelly

@kellyjourno

Kyiv has faced its most intense drone attack from Russian forces since they launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year, according to the city's mayor.

Explosions were heard and felt throughout the city early Saturday morning, lasting for around six hours, with attacks coming in from the east and north of the country.

All but one of 75 Iranian-made Shahed drones fired at Kyiv were stopped by the city's defences, authorities said.

There were no reported deaths following the attack, though five people were injured, including an 11-year-old child.

Several buildings were severely damaged, including a kindergarten and apartment blocks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that his country will "continue to work to unite the world in defence against Russian terror", as he described the attacks as "wilful terror".

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“Our soldiers shot down most of the drones. Unfortunately, not all,” he added.

Meanwhile Ukrainian Air Force commander Mykola Oleshchuk wrote on his Telegram channel: “Kyiv was the main target."

Some 17,000 people in Kyiv were left without electricity following the strikes.