Russia launches 'exceptional' air strike on Kyiv with drones and missiles

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said this is the eighth air strike on Kyiv since May began. Credit: AP

Russia bombarded Kyiv overnight with an "exceptional density" of missiles and drones, the Ukrainian military has said.

Serhii Popko, the head of the Kyiv military administration, said the attack was "exceptional in its density - the maximum number of attacking missiles in the shortest period of time."

He added: "This time, the enemy launched a complex assault from multiple directions simultaneously, using UAVs, cruise missiles and probably ballistic missiles."

On Ukraine's eastern front as army readies its counter attack
A Ukrainian firefighter responding to Monday night's strikes. Credit: AP
Buses burning after the attack on Kyiv. Credit: AP

The "majority of enemy targets" in Kyiv's airspace were detected and destroyed, Popko said.

Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said three people were wounded in the Solomianskyi area of the city.

The overnight attack marks the eighth attack on Kyiv this month, an escalation on recent events as Ukraine prepares for a counteroffensive against Russia.

Six "Kinzhal" aero-ballistic missiles were launched from MiG-31K aircraft, nine cruise missiles from ships in the Black Sea and three land-based S-400 cruise missiles targeted the capital, the Ukrainian airforce said.After the first barrage, Russia also launched Iranian-made Shahed attack drones and conducted aerial reconnaissance.

Police officers investigate fragments of a Russian rocket that fell on a zoo in Kyiv. Credit: AP

Significant damage was reported in the Kyiv district of Solomianskyi, while debris was reported in the districts of Shevchenkivskyi, Sviatoshynskyi, Obolonskyi and Darnytskyi.

The strikes come as President Volodymyr Zelenksyy concludes a European tour to greet Ukraine's key wartime allies, which led to more pledges of military aid.

The President met Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Monday at the countryside mansion Chequers.

President Zelenskyy met Rishi Sunak on Monday. Credit: AP

Alongside warm embraces and pledges of solidarity, the UK committed to sending hundreds of more missiles to Ukraine.

President Zelesnkyy urged the UK to send fighter jets to his country, something he has been requesting for months.

In response, Mr Sunak said the UK is "going to be a key part of the coalition of countries that provides that support", but pointed out "it is not a straightforward thing".The UK also said it would begin training Ukrainians to pilot western fighter jets.

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