Drone War Heats Up Over Kyiv and Crimea
Ukraine has downed more than two dozen Russian drones over its capital, Kyiv, amid rising aerial clashes. Meanwhile, Russia confirmed shooting down eight Ukrainian drones near the annexed Crimean Peninsula. The drone duel has sharply escalated tensions in the region.
Damage and Danger in Kyiv
The full extent of damage from Sunday’s drone attacks remains unclear. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported at least one person wounded in the historic Podil district, where a fire broke out near a park. Debris from destroyed drones scattered across several city districts, including Darnytskyi, Solomianskyi, Shevchenkivskyi, Sviatoshynskyi, and Podil.
In Shevchenkivskyi, falling drone wreckage sparked a fire in an apartment. The blaze was quickly put out with no reports of injuries, according to Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, who briefed the public via Telegram.
Ukrainian Defences Punch Back
Ukraine’s air defences intercepted and destroyed over two dozen enemy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Popko said. The official count is expected from Ukraine’s air force soon. Witnesses reported at least ten explosions echoing across Kyiv’s skies during the clashes, AFP confirmed.
Russia Confirms Counterstrikes Over Crimea
Russia’s defence ministry admitted to downing eight Ukrainian drones over the Black Sea near Crimea using its air defence systems. The ministry shared the news on Telegram but did not disclose any information on damage or casualties caused by the strikes.
