Shahed drones unleash explosions over Kyiv and Sumy, air defenses on high alert
Air defense systems active over Kyiv as explosions are heard (Photo: Getty Images)
Tonight, Ukraine is once again under an enemy air attack by Russian forces. Air raid alerts were announced in several regions as well as in Kyiv, and an explosion was heard near the city of Sumy. Air defense systems are active in the capital, according to the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Kyiv City Military Administration.
The military reported the movement of enemy strike drones in the south and center of the Chernihiv region, at the border of the Sumy and Poltava regions, and in the east of the Kharkiv region.
There were also warnings about the threat of drone attacks in Kyiv and Cherkasy regions.
Later, the Air Forces reported the movement of enemy drones heading toward the capital.
Drone attack on Kyiv and air defense response
"An air raid alert has been declared in Kyiv due to the threat of enemy strike drones. We urge city residents to immediately go to the nearest shelters and remain there until the alert is lifted," the Kyiv City Military Administration reported.
Timur Tkachenko, head of the administration, spoke about the air defense operations against enemy drones over the capital.
“Stay in safe places until the all-clear!” the official urged.
The Kyiv City Military Administration stated that air defense forces are working to eliminate the threat in the sky over Kyiv.
"Stay in shelters until the official all-clear signal is given. Follow safety measures," the administration’s statement reads.
The Kyiv Regional Military Administration also reported on the air defense operations in the Kyiv region. Their Telegram statement noted the detection of enemy UAVs moving through the area and confirmed the activity of air defense forces and equipment.
They urged residents: "Do not photograph or film the work of our defenders. Do not ignore safety rules. Stay in shelters until the air raid alert is over," the administration added.
Explosions in Sumy and power outage issues
Meanwhile, reports from Sumy public channels mention an explosion heard in the Sumy area.
Following this, messages appeared online about a partial power outage in the city.
Adding more details, around 03:40, the Air Forces reported the detection of launches by Russian tactical aviation of guided bombs targeting the Sumy region.
Recent drone attack at night
As previously reported, on the night of May 20, Russian forces launched 108 attack drones toward Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Air Defense Forces were active in the northern and eastern regions. In the morning, the military reported that 93 enemy drones of the Shahed type and other unmanned aerial vehicles were neutralized: 35 were shot down by fire weapons, and 58 were lost due to radar tracking without causing any harm.
