Kyiv struck by drones amid missile alert

Kyiv came under attack from more than a dozen Russian drones early Sunday, authorities said, as officials warned of an incoming missile threat.

AFP journalists reported hearing explosions in the Ukrainian capital, while residents were urged to take shelter. It was the second consecutive night that Kyiv faced aerial assaults.

Ukraine's air force said on Saturday that Russia launched 14 ballistic missiles and 250 attack drones overnight, adding that it had intercepted six missiles and 245 drones.

Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, said “more than a dozen enemy drones” were spotted over the capital early Sunday.

“New ones are also approaching. Some of the drones over Kyiv and the surrounding area have already been dealt with. But the new ones are still entering the capital,” he wrote on Telegram.

“The night will not be easy. There is a threat of the enemy using a large number of drones and missiles from strategic aircraft,” he added.

Tkachenko also reported that debris had fallen on a five-story residential building.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the city was “under attack” but confirmed that “air defences are operating,” urging residents to “stay in shelters!”

The attacks come as Russia and Ukraine conduct what is being described as the largest prisoner exchange since the start of Moscow’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday night that the ongoing attacks were proof Russia was “prolonging the war,” renewing his call for increased sanctions on Moscow.

On Saturday, 307 Russian prisoners of war were exchanged for an equal number of Ukrainian soldiers, according to statements from both Kyiv and Moscow.

A day earlier, 270 soldiers and civilians from each side were swapped as part of the same operation.