Ukraine's air defense systems have been activated on the outskirts of Kiev in an attempt to repel an attack by Russian drones , reported Reuters, quoted by BTA, referring to a Telegram message of the military administration of the Ukrainian capital.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing several explosions that sounded like the work of air defense units.
The city of Zaporizhia was also subjected to massive shelling, Ukrinform reported, citing Ivan Fedorov, head of the regional military administration. An air alert has been declared, residents are urged to take refuge in shelters.
Earlier, Ukrinform reported that an air alert was declared in a number of regions after Russia launched "Shahed" kamikaze drones.
Overnight, Ukraine launched a series of drone strikes against several western Russian regions, local governors said, adding that there was no damage or casualties.
Seven Ukrainian drones were destroyed over the western Smolensk region, Vasily Anokhin, governor of the region, which borders Belarus, said in Telegram.
Russian air defense units have destroyed a drone over the Oryol region, Governor Andrey Klichkov also announced in Telegram. At least 14 Ukrainian combat drones have been destroyed over the Bryansk region, according to the governor of the region bordering Ukraine, Alexander Bogomaz.
Kiev claims that the strikes were aimed at Russian military, energy and transport infrastructure, which is key to Moscow's military efforts, Reuters recalls. The agency notes that Russian officials rarely disclose the full extent of the damage caused by the Ukrainian attacks.
After Ukraine increased its domestic production of drones over the past two years, it has also stepped up attacks on Russian territory.