Two explosions were heard in the center of the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, on Saturday morning. Shortly afterwards, air raid sirens sounded, as AFP reporters reported. Mayor of Kiev Vitali Klitschko reported “strong explosions” on the Telegram online service. According to preliminary information, air defense was deployed against ballistic weapons, Klitschko explained. He urged people to stay in shelters and for the alarm to remain in effect.
➤ Find out more about current developments in Ukraine in our live ticker
Night attack wave
Ukraine also reported a new wave of Russian drone strikes on Saturday night. On Friday night, air defense was active around the capital Kiev, the local military administration said on Telegram. Initially nothing was known about possible victims or damage. People were asked to seek protection in basements and other safe accommodation.
Drone attacks have also been reported in other parts of the country – including Kharkiv in the east and Kherson in the south. However, according to Ukrainian information, the Odessa region on the Black Sea was attacked with rockets on Friday night. At least three people were injured. Among the victims was a 96-year-old woman who was rescued from the rubble of her home, military governor Oleh Kiper wrote.
Russia reports drone shootdowns
The Russian Defense Ministry spoke of the downing of two Ukrainian drones. They were shot down in the Moscow and Smolensk regions in the west, close to the border with Belarus. “Air defense units intercepted deadly drones in the Smolensk and Moscow regions,” the ministry said in Telegram. Unofficial Russian Telegram channels reported at least two explosions.