Explosions reported in Kyiv and region amid Russian drone attack: Air defense responds
Photo: Ukrainian Armed Forces mobile firing group (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Explosions were heard in the Kyiv area during the night of November 16 amid a Russian airstrike using kamikaze drones. Air defense systems operate in the Kyiv region, and the approaches to the capital, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko and the Kyiv Regional Military Administration.
Details about the combat operations of air defense forces in the Kyiv region emerged around 1:32 AM (Kyiv time). Explosions were also heard around this time in the vicinity of Kyiv.
"Air defense forces are operating in the capital. Stay in shelters!" Klitschko said.
Serhii Popko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, also added on his Telegram channel that air defense is active in the region, including the approaches to Kyiv.
"Stay in shelters until the air alert is lifted!" the official urged.
Earlier, the Kyiv Regional Military Administration reported that enemy drones were detected in the airspace over the Kyiv region, and air defense forces are operating on targets.
"Stay in shelters until the air alert ends. Take care of your safety. Maintain information silence – do not record or post online the actions of our defenders," the administration added.
Updated at 3:10 AM (Kyiv time)
After 3 AM, the Kyiv City Military Administration again reported the activation of air defense systems in response to Russian Shahed drones.
"The air alert continues! Air defense systems are active in the region, on the outskirts of Kyiv," Popko said.
Additionally, the Air Force reported detecting enemy UAV movement from midnight, heading toward Kyiv. About 30 minutes earlier, they had informed about the movement of an enemy strike UAV near Brovary toward the capital.
Updated at 3:25 AM
The Kyiv Regional Military Administration reported that efforts to repel an aerial attack in the region are ongoing.
"We urge everyone to remain in shelters. Air defense systems are active in the region," the officials stated.
Updated: Air raid alert lifted
Around 4:05 AM, the Kyiv City Military Administration reported the lifting of the threat of a hostile air attack for the capital.
Shahed drone attack
Russian forces regularly use kamikaze drones, including Iranian-made Shahed strike drones, in their air attacks on Ukraine.
For instance, on the previous night, Russian forces launched nearly three dozen Shaheds, as well as two missiles. Air defense systems shot down most of the enemy targets in the Odesa region.
Additionally, on the evening of November 15, Russian forces launched several groups of strike UAVs toward Ukrainian territory, approaching from different directions.
