Explosions Rock Kyiv for Third Time in One Week

Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, was rocked by explosions late Wednesday for the third time in one week, shortly after NATO pledged to boost military aid to the war-torn country.

Videos circulating on social media appeared to show Iranian-designed Shahed drones launched by Russia being downed over the city in the early hours of Thursday morning. The head of Kyiv's military administration, Serhiy Popko, said more than a dozen of the attack drones targeting the city were shot down. No casualties were reported, he added.

On Monday, Russia's missile and drone barrage on Ukraine killed at least five people and ravaged the country's energy infrastructure. It involved more than 100 missiles and 100 drones, and was described by Ukrainian officials as one of the largest launched by Russia since its full-scale invasion began. Newsweek has contacted Russia's Defense Ministry for comment by email.

"Russian drones were launched toward Kyiv from the occupied Kherson region and Russia's Kursk region just before midnight, around 11:00 p.m.," said Popko in a statement posted to his Telegram channel.

"Air defense forces destroyed over a dozen enemy strike drones (the exact number and type of drones will be disclosed by the Air Force)."

"Like most Russian strikes before, this one was equally insidious, targeting critical civilian infrastructure," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said of the attack. "The energy sector has sustained significant damage, but in every area affected by power outages, restoration work is already in progress."

Russia "launched a massive combined attack" on Ukraine "using various types of air-, land- and sea-based missiles," Ukraine's Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Mykola Oleschuk said Monday.

He added that Russia used 109 Shahed attack drones; 77 Kh-101 cruise missiles; three Kh-22 cruise missiles; 28 Kalibr submarine-launched cruise missiles; six Iskander-M ballistic missiles; three Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles; and 10 Kh-59/Kh-69 guided missiles.

In response, the NATO-Ukraine Council met on Wednesday, where "allies strongly condemned Russia's indiscriminate strikes and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen Ukraine's defenses," a news release said.

"Ukraine continues to intercept Russian missiles on a daily basis, saving countless lives. But Ukraine's ability to maintain their defenses requires increased supply and more support," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said.

"In the wake of the latest Russian assault, Allies today reaffirmed they are stepping up their military aid to Ukraine. We must continue to provide Ukraine with the equipment and munitions it needs to defend itself against Russia's invasion. This is vital for Ukraine's ability to stay in the fight."

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