Air defences engage Russian drones over Kyiv, mayor says

Kyiv’s air defences fired at Russian drones over the Ukrainian capital early Tuesday, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said as the city came under another overnight air attack.

Ukrainian authorities said Klitschko urged residents to stay in shelters as air defence forces fought the drones. By 9:30 a.m.Local time, four air raid alerts had been issued, according to the Kyiv City Administration.

At least five people were hurt in the Dniprovskyi district, including a retired couple who suffered cuts, Ukrainian authorities said, while two others were treated for shock. Two of the injured were taken to a hospital.

Four high-rise apartment buildings were damaged, including a five-story building with destruction of the facade and first floor. While a fire was extinguished, residents of several floors were evacuated.

Officials said a fire also broke out in a separate warehouse in Holosiivskyi district, but that was also brought under control.

The attack came as the Russian drone campaign against Ukraine was ramping up. Reuters reported Tuesday that Russia has been increasingly employing jet-powered Shahed drones, increasing pressure on Ukrainian air defences around Kyiv.