Russia launches 'largest ever drone attack' on Kyiv in overnight attack leaving one dead and three injured
28 May 2023, 07:50 | Updated: 28 May 2023, 15:18
One person has died and at least three more are injured after Russia carried out an overnight drone attack on Ukraine's capital Kyiv.
One man died in the attack after drone wreckage fell near a petrol station, which also injured one woman, Kyiv's mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said.
It is believed Russia launched 54 'Kamikaze' drones overnight in the country, with Ukrainian defences shooting down 52 of them, according to the country's Air Force.
The Air Force in Kyiv shot down 40 drones alone, they added.
"Blasts in Kyiv," Klitschko said on the Telegram messaging app.
"Information is being clarified. Details later. Anti-aircraft defence working in the region, there are downed targets."
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Ukrainian officials say Moscow targeted military and critical infrastructure facilities in central Ukraine during the attack.
It comes amid an increasing number of attacks on Ukraine's capital by Russia in recent weeks, while air raid alerts were activated in 12 different regions of the country earlier in the day.
Kyiv residents were warned by Mr Klitschko to stay indoors ahead of a "difficult" night.
The attack came as residents prepared to celebrate Kyiv day - the anniversary of the city's official founding 1,541 years ago.
"The history of Ukraine is a long-standing irritant for the insecure Russians," Andriy Yermak, the head of President Volodymyr Zelensky's office, said.
It comes as Ukraine prepares to launch its long-expected counter-offensive against Russian forces, which could begin "tomorrow, the day after tomorrow or in a week".
The eastern city of Bakhmut has been captured by Russia, the head of the Russian mercenary group Wagner has claimed, though Ukraine pushed back and said fighting was still "ongoing".
