Ukrainian air defenses intercept Russian drones advancing on Kyiv region
Photo: Air defenses respond to Shahed drone attack in Kyiv region (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Russian strike drones were spotted in the Kyiv region overnight, prompting active engagement by air defense systems in the area. The movement of Russian UAVs toward the capital has been recorded, according to the Kyiv Regional Military Administration and the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Air defense operations to repel a drone attack in the Kyiv region were reported at 03:53 AM Kyiv time.
According to the Kyiv Regional Military Administration, the movement of Russian strike drones was recorded, and air defense forces are actively operating in the region.
Officials urged residents not to film or photograph the work of air defense units and to remain in shelters until the all-clear is given.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russian UAVs were moving toward the city of Kyiv from the southeast.
"An air raid alert has been declared in Kyiv due to the threat of Russian strike drones. We urge residents to immediately go to the nearest shelters and stay there until the alert ends," stated the Kyiv City Military Administration.
Attack is part of combined air assault
This drone strike, including in the Kyiv region, comes amid military reports of a ballistic missile threat. Most of the country was marked red on the alert map due to the risk of missile strikes, with an air raid alert also declared in the capital.
Monitoring groups reported a threat of ballistic missile launches from occupied Crimea.
Also, the Air Force repeatedly reported overnight on the activity of Russian tactical aviation and airstrikes targeting the Sumy and Donetsk regions.
In the early hours of May 16, Russian forces launched a wave of attacks using strike drones, deploying Shaheds from both the north and south.
