Russia launched an intense airstrike on the Ukrainian capital on Tuesday, using a combination of drones, cruise missiles, supersonic and ballistic missiles, after which loud explosions were heard in Kiev.
The Russian attack on Kiev was “exceptional in its intensity, given the number of attack missiles launched in a short period of time,” said Sergii Popko, head of the Kiev Military Administration.
“According to preliminary information, the vast majority of enemy targets in Kiev airspace have been detected and destroyed,” Popko said.
This night, Russian invaders fired the maximum number of missiles #Kyiv within the shortest time, reports the city council. pic.twitter.com/rY2RFKjGN2
– NEXTA (@nexta_tv) May 16, 2023
According to a report from the Ukrainian Air Force, antiaircraft guns shot down six supersonic missiles, nine cruise missiles and three ballistic missiles in an attack that began around 3:30 a.m. (1:30 a.m. in Lisbon) today.
In addition to the missiles, Russia launched nine Iranian-made drones, which were also destroyed by Ukrainian defenses.
‼️(1/2) This night the Russians fired the maximum number of missile strikes #Kyiv in the shortest time, the city government reported
The capital was attacked simultaneously from several directions using drones, cruise missiles and probably ballistic missiles pic.twitter.com/VyJ0Onj15O
– KievPost (@KievPost) May 16, 2023
Rocket debris landed in several districts of the capital. In the Solomyansky district, the debris caused a fire in a non-residential building, which was extinguished.
Some debris set cars on fire and ended up in the zoo, but no losses were reported, Kiev mayor Vitali Klitschko said.
This is the eighth time this month that Russian airstrikes have targeted the capital, an escalation after weeks of calm and before the launch of a counter-offensive Ukraine is preparing.
The attack also comes as President Volodymyr Zelenksy is wrapping up a whirlwind tour of Europe, where he met with the leaders of Ukraine’s main allies during the war, after receiving promises of increased military aid.
Source: DN
