Explosions in Kyiv as Russia uses Kamikaze drones
Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko has confirmed explosions were heard in central Kyiv early Wednesday.
He said emergency services had been dispatched whilst Kyiv Governor Oleksiy Kuleba said the air defence systems are at work.
According to the BBC, their reporters heard loud explosions shortly after the air raid siren sounded. Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian energy infrastructure since October with missiles and drones.
President Zelensky said Ukrainian forces had shot down 13 Iranian-made Shahed drones, which he says amounted to all those launched by Russia early on Wednesday.
No victims have been reported despite a drone fragment reportedly hitting a building in the city centre and four residential buildings.
Kyiv governor Kuleba said: “The air defence system is operating. It’s important now to stay in shelters and safe places. Russia is continuing its energy terror against our country. But we are getting stronger daily.”
Iran’s Kamikaze drones still being used
Ukraine has accused Iran of supplying Russia with “kamikaze” drones used in the deadly attacks on 17 October. Iran initially denied the allegations but later admitted to sending a limited number of drones to Russia before the invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine’s president said this was a lie and many Iran drones are being used.
Russia has been intentionally targeting Ukraine’s energy grid this winter. World leaders have deemed the strikes on civilian infrastructure a war crime.
US prepares to send defence system to Ukraine
The latest strikes on Ukraine come amid reports that the US is preparing to arm Ukraine with its state-of-the-art Patriot air defence system.
It’s amongst the most advanced in the world and there are not many of them.
Due to its long-range capability, it could potentially shoot down Russian missiles before it comes within range of Ukrainian cities.
It could take several months to train Ukrainians how to use them, as the systems require large crews.
Russia could also see this as an escalation in the war and has already warned against the move.
