Russia's Overnight Drone Assault on Kyiv: A Cry for Enhanced Air Defense

Russia launched a drone attack on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, leading President Zelenskiy to call for more air defense capabilities. Ukrainian forces intercepted 72 of 76 drones. There were no immediate casualties, but significant property damage was reported. Air alerts were issued across multiple regions throughout the night.

Russia launched a new overnight drone attack on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities on Saturday, prompting President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to issue a fresh appeal for more air defense and long-range capabilities.

Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted 72 out of 76 Shahed drones over 12 regions across the center, south, and east of the country, the air force announced. "We need more capabilities to strengthen the air shield, air defense, and long-range capabilities to continue protecting life and our people," Zelenskiy, who is scheduled to visit the United States later this month, stated on the Telegram messaging app.

While there were no immediate reports of casualties, authorities noted damage to buildings in several parts of the country. Drone fragments fell on a municipal building in the Obolon district of Kyiv, although no fire ensued, city officials reported. In the region surrounding Kyiv, debris damaged several private homes, a commercial property, and shattered windows at a high-rise residential building. In the southern Odesa region, debris damaged multiple commercial buildings and private houses, leading to several fires.

Air alerts were triggered for several hours across many regions during the night. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that air defense units had been in action throughout the capital. Ukraine also employs mobile groups of drone hunters and electronic warfare to counter the frequent Russian drone strikes. Throughout the 31 months of war, Moscow's forces have bombarded Ukraine with thousands of drones and missiles, killing thousands of civilians, damaging crucial infrastructure, and destroying thousands of residential and commercial properties.

Moscow denies targeting civilians intentionally, stating that its long-range attacks aim to diminish Ukraine's combat capabilities.

(With inputs from agencies.)