Russian forces launched a rare daytime attack on Kyiv, with air defences engaging incoming projectiles as residents sought cover during rush hour.

KYIV: Explosions rang out over the Ukrainian capital on Monday as air defence systems engaged a barrage of Russian projectiles during a rare daytime attack.

AFP journalists witnessed flashes and clouds of smoke as residents sought cover during the morning rush hour, with mayor Vitaliy Klitschko confirming drone debris had fallen in the city centre.

Klitschko stated on social media that there were no initial reports of fires or casualties but warned that the enemy attack on Kyiv was continuing.

The Ukrainian air force simultaneously issued a warning about a high-speed target approaching the capital from the north, which borders Russia.

Russian forces have significantly intensified long-range drone and missile strikes in recent months, primarily targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

This latest barrage coincides with reports that US-led diplomatic efforts to initiate negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow have been derailed by the escalating US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 triggered the deadliest European conflict since World War II, resulting in the displacement of millions and hundreds of thousands of military and civilian casualties on both sides.

 The Sun Malaysia