In the face of Russia’s intensified aggression, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has commended the country’s air defense forces for their heroic efforts in thwarting Russia’s largest drone attack on Kyiv since the beginning of the war. Despite the destructive nature of the assault, which resulted in two fatalities and several injuries caused by falling debris, the Ukrainian military commanders reported a significant success in intercepting the majority of the kamikaze drones launched by Russia. The attack on Kyiv, the 14th such assault this month alone, aimed to overwhelm the capital’s defenses and occurred on the eve of Kyiv Day, an annual celebration commemorating the city’s foundation over 1,500 years ago. Remarkably, the citizens of Kyiv demonstrated resilience and defiance in the face of adversity, continuing with planned festivities and gathering in parks, bars, and restaurants to mark the occasion. Kyiv’s mayor, Vitaliy Klitschko, described the assault as “massive,” highlighting the simultaneous arrival of drones from multiple directions.
Falling drone fragments led to fires in some buildings, including a tobacco factory. Additionally, in the city of Zhytomyr, located in northwest Ukraine, at least 26 residential buildings, schools, and medical facilities suffered damage due to the attack. Despite the significant destruction caused, Ukrainian military commanders lauded the air defense forces for successfully shooting down 58 out of the 59 Iranian-made drones launched by Russia. President Zelensky expressed his gratitude to the personnel, acknowledging that their actions had saved numerous lives.
In an evening address, he remarked, “Most of the destruction was averted, and most of the lives that could have been taken by these shaheds [drones] were saved. I am grateful to each and every person who made it possible.” The latest attack on Kyiv serves as a stark reminder of the escalating conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with the latter continuing to employ advanced drone technology as part of its military strategy. As Ukraine’s citizens and armed forces stand resilient, the international community closely watches the developments and hopes for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.