LUTZK UNDER ATTACK: Russia Launches Massive Missile and Drone Attack On Ukraine

Explosions echoed across central Kyiv on Monday morning during rush hour as Ukraine’s military issued a warning about a large-scale Russian missile and drone strike following earlier drone attacks in the pre-dawn hours.

The Ukrainian air force informed the public that Russia had 11 TU-95 strategic bombers in flight and confirmed the launch of several missiles.

Outside Kyiv, Reuters correspondents reported hearing the sounds of air defenses intercepting targets.

Authorities in the northwestern city of Lutzk reported explosions and confirmed damage to an apartment building, while they worked to verify if there were any casualties.

Poland’s Operational Command announced on X that Polish and allied aircraft were mobilized in response to Russia’s assault, which also targeted areas in western Ukraine and near the Polish border.

Ukrainians have been bracing for a significant Russian missile strike for some time.

Last week, the U.S. Embassy issued a warning about an increased risk of attacks around Ukrainian Independence Day, which was observed on Saturday.

In retaliation, Ukraine has intensified its long-range drone strikes against Russia, attempting to push back against Moscow, which began its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

“The desire to destroy our energy will cost the Russians dearly: their infrastructure,” Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff, wrote on Telegram, suggesting plans for a counterattack.

Ukraine’s military reported that Russia launched two waves of drone attacks earlier on Monday, though preliminary information indicated no damage or casualties.

Around 10 drones were intercepted and destroyed as they approached the Kyiv region at approximately 02:30 GMT, according to Serhiy Popko, the head of Kyiv’s military administration, who shared the update on Telegram.

Russia has not yet commented on the incident.

Both Russia and Ukraine maintain that they do not target civilians.

Each side claims its attacks focus on damaging infrastructure crucial to the other’s war efforts.

{Matzav.com}