Ukraine war: Kyiv hit by ‘exceptionally dense’ missile and drone attack

The Ukrainian capital Kiev has been targeted by further Russian airstrikes, with what one official described as “abnormally high densities”.

Ukraine said all 18 missiles had been shot down and footage showed air defenses destroying targets over the city.

Officials said at least three people were injured in the barrage, which used both drones and missiles.

Russia has stepped up its air strike campaign in recent weeks ahead of an expected Ukrainian military offensive in the south.

In the eighth air raid that hit the capital this month, an air raid warning sounded around 2:30 am local time (23:30 Japan time on Monday) and was lifted two hours later.

An unusual number of loud explosions were heard in the city center, and authorities told residents in an online message that air defenses had been activated.

Ukrainian military commander Valery Zardini said Russia had attacked Kiev from the north, south and east, using 18 air-, sea- and ground-based missiles.

The head of the military administration of the Ukrainian capital, Serhiy Popko, described the barrage as “the largest number of attack missiles in the shortest period of time.”

“According to preliminary information, most of the enemy targets in Kiev airspace have been detected and destroyed,” it added.

Kiev residents were warned to stay away from their windows as debris from intercepted missiles fell from the sky.

Mayor Vitali Klitschko said rocket debris fell into the city’s central district, including the zoo. No animals or workers were injured.

The Solomyansky district, which includes the international airport, was reportedly the hardest hit.

Mr Popko said a non-residential fire in the area has since been extinguished.

Russia resumed its offensive against Kiev earlier this month after a lull of more than 50 days. Ukrainian officials believe the Russian government’s strategy is to exhaust its air defense system, which has been very successful at intercepting most of the missiles and drones it launches.

In recent days, President Volodymyr Zelensky has been on a tour of Europe and has been pledged billions of dollars worth of military equipment by Western allies, including British Prime Minister Rishi Snack and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, thousands of civilians and combatants have been killed or injured, cities and towns have been ravaged by fighting, and nearly 8.2 million Ukrainians are registered as refugees in Europe, of whom 280 Thousands of people are in Russia.