The governor of Voronezh region in southwestern Russia reported today that debris from a drone launched by Ukraine damaged an administrative building and a service facility in the city of Voronezh. Governor Alexander Gusev posted on Telegram that there were no injuries from this incident. Explosions were heard late Saturday into Sunday in central and eastern Kyiv, while the Ukrainian Air Force reported that two Russian missiles were headed towards the capital. The Kyiv military administration announced on Telegram that air defense systems were activated. Air raid sirens were heard in the capital, and at least two flashes of light were seen on the horizon at night.
Kyiv's mayor Vitali Klitschko stated that Russia launched an air assault on the city, and air defense systems were engaged in repelling the attack. Klitschko wrote on Telegram that "air defense units are countering the attack, and readiness for air raids is ongoing." Witnesses reported hearing at least two explosions, which seemed to be the sound of air defense units in action. The Ukrainian Air Force stated on Telegram that the city and the surrounding area, including all of eastern Ukraine, were on alert for air raids amid the possibility of ballistic missile attacks.
Potential Russian Response
In recent days, many Ukrainians have been concerned about a potential Russian airstrike in response to ongoing incursions in the Kursk region of Russia. The Ukrainian Air Force also announced via Telegram around 22:00 Saturday (19:00 UTC) that several other regions in the country were being targeted by drone attacks. Ukrainian authorities have not yet reported any damage or injuries. Ukraine regularly endures missile strikes or attacks from drones. To protect itself, Kyiv is requesting more anti-aircraft defense systems from its Western allies.
On the other hand, the acting governor of Kursk region, located on the border with Ukraine where Moscow's forces are engaged in fierce battles against Kyiv's troops, ordered the evacuation of civilians from high-risk areas to be expedited. Acting Governor Alexey Smirnov stated on Telegram that he "instructed" the head of the Belovsky district in the southwestern Kursk region to "accelerate" the implementation of evacuation orders.
Anti-Terror Operation
Moscow began an "anti-terror operation" on Saturday in three border areas adjacent to Ukraine, on the fifth day of Ukrainian troops' incursion into the border Kursk region, which has seen 76,000 people evacuated to "safe places." Kyiv has refrained from directly commenting on this attack, but President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged for the first time on Saturday evening military moves aimed at "transferring the war" to Russian territory. In his daily address, the Ukrainian president stated, "Ukraine proves that it is capable of exerting the necessary pressure: pressure on the aggressor."
