KYIV, UKRAINE (Aftenposten): Russia attacked the capital for four hours with over 70 drones. Winter has really arrived in Ukraine.
People gathered around new craters in Kyiv on Saturday morning. Ukraine says Russia sent over 70 drones in the attack. Photo: Valentyn Ogirenko / Reuters / NTB
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Published: 25/11/2023 07:01 | Updated: 25/11/2023 08:12
A long time has passed since Russia last carried out a major attack against Kyiv. Many here have described the silence as suspicious. Afraid that the longer time goes by, the bigger the next attack will be. Many have thought that Putin will wait until the freezing temperatures arrive before his bombardment of Kyiv begins in earnest again.
On Thursday, the first snow fell on the city’s streets. On the night of Saturday, residents woke up to the sound of explosions.
The aircraft alarm only went off a little before 03. In the morning hours, the staccato sound of the air force continued to be heard in the streets. In total, the attack lasted four hours.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says, according to Reuters, that more than 70 drones were part of the attack. Most were shot down, he says.
Damage to homes and daycare centers
Kyiv’s mayor Vitaly Klitschko writes on Telegram that parts of downed drones have hit buildings and apartment blocks. They also started a fire in a kindergarten. At least two people are said to be injured, reports Reuters.
The Ukrainian Air Force says the attack is the largest Russia has carried out against Iranian Shahed drones so far in the war. They are so-called hovering projectiles, drones that can stand still in the air while looking for targets.
A kindergarten was damaged in the attack. Photo: Valentyn Ogirenko / Reuters / NTB
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Two people injured, damage to home and nursery
Hardly a day goes by without Russian attacks in Ukraine with missiles or drones or both. But in the last couple of months, Kyiv has been largely spared sleepless and explosive nights, compared to the same time last year. Smaller attacks have come through the autumn. But the last time the capital was under a major attack was at the end of September, when two civilians were killed.
Nevertheless, the attacks are fewer and skirmishes less frequent. Kyiv has got a very good air defense.
On the night of Saturday, Russia sent over 70 drones against the capital, a spokesperson for the city’s administration said. Local authorities and Ukrainian media describe it as massive. In social media, Ukrainians write that it has been a long time since there has been as much noise in the city as now.
So far, two people have been reported injured. Among them an 11-year-old girl, according to local authorities. In addition, a nursery school and a residential building were damaged. Two women had to be dug out from the wreckage of their apartment on the 5th floor. The reports local authorities.
Drones versus air defense
The destruction is so far reported to come from downed drones. But it comes with a price, literally. Shooting down cheap drones with expensive missiles is far from cost-effective for Ukraine.
In the past, Russia has been in the habit of attacking with drones first, in order to exhaust or locate air defenses. Then they sent missiles, which they continue to produce in high gear.
It is unclear whether infrastructure has been damaged in the night’s attack on Kyiv. Like last winter, it is probably the goal of Russia. Recent attacks have already damaged civilian infrastructure in other parts of the country. Last Saturday, the southern port city of Odesa was attacked. As a result, 2,000 households lost power for several hours.
In short, Ukraine is more vulnerable this winter, due to the damage already done to the country’s infrastructure. At the same time, Ukraine is more prepared, because of the strengthened air defense. And it is bound to get better.
This week, Germany announced that it will send a new Patriot air defense system to Ukraine. It was long-awaited good news for Ukrainians at a time when there are indications that arms support to the country from the West may be lagging.
2023-11-25 06:01:38
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