Officials from the military administration of Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, announced today, Sunday, on the Telegram app that more than 40 drones launched by Russia were shot down during the night in the city's airspace. They stated that "Russia carried out a major air attack in two waves on Kyiv during the night, resulting in at least one death, while the Ukrainian capital is preparing to celebrate its founding anniversary today." The officials clarified that "the largest city in Ukraine, with a population of about three million, was targeted by nighttime attacks, including the historic Pechersky district."
Kyiv's Mayor Vitali Klitschko also announced that "air defense systems shot down at least 20 drones heading towards Kyiv, with debris falling resulting in the death of a 41-year-old man and the injury of a 35-year-old woman in the city." The attacks came shortly before dawn on the last Sunday of May, the month during which Kyiv officially celebrates its founding anniversary, which is 1,541 years ago. This day usually features street fairs, live music performances, and special exhibitions in museums. The Ukrainian capital had planned celebrations this year but on a smaller scale than usual.
Andriy Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's office, wrote on Telegram: "The history of Ukraine is a longstanding cause of concern for the insecure Russians."
