Reuters reported that Russia launched air strikes on Kiev and the surrounding area early on Sunday, which Ukrainian air defense systems repelled, the mayor of the Ukrainian capital Kiev and the Kiev regional government announced on the messaging app Telegram.
Reuters witnesses reported hearing multiple explosions in and around Kiev that were consistent with air defense systems intercepting incoming weapons.
The head of the Kiev region government reported that two people were wounded and numerous homes and other buildings were damaged in the overnight missile attack. Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oreshchuk said Russia had fired three missiles, two of which were shot down by Ukrainian air defenses over Kiev region. Oreshchuk did not provide details on the whereabouts of the third missile.
Debris also damaged six high-rise apartment buildings and more than 20 private homes, as well as a gas station, a pharmacy, an administration building and three cars.
An air raid warning was issued for Kiev and surrounding areas, as well as other parts of Ukraine, for about an hour, starting at 4:50 a.m. local time (1:50 a.m. GMT), when Reuters witnesses said they heard explosions that appeared to be from air defense systems trying to intercept anti-aircraft weapons.
With input from Reuters.
