Explosions heard in Kyiv as Russia launches huge drone attack on Ukraine

13 May 2026 • 6:54 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Explosions heard in Kyiv as Russia launches huge drone attack on Ukraine

  • Russia launched a significant daytime drone assault on Ukraine on Wednesday, deploying approximately 200 drones shortly after 9am UK time.
  • Air raid alerts were activated across Ukraine as dozens of Shahed-type unmanned drones were tracked moving southwest past Kyiv.
  • Explosions from air defences were reported in the capital, with Ukrainian military intelligence confirming Russia targeted critical infrastructure facilities.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of potential further drone attacks throughout the day, stating Russia is deliberately targeting railway infrastructure and civilian sites.
  • This marks a recent shift in tactics, as Russia has increasingly conducted major drone and missile strikes during the daytime, contrasting with its previous night-time operations.

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