Kyiv Under Siege: Air Defence Engaged in Repelling Russian Air Attack
Ukraine’s military has reported that air defence systems are actively engaged in repelling a large-scale Russian air attack on the capital city of Kyiv. The attacks, which began in the early hours of the morning, have seen a significant number of Russian warplanes and cruise missiles targeting various locations within the city.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force Command, at least 40 Russian aircraft, including Su-30 and Su-34 fighter jets, have been detected entering Ukrainian airspace. The aircraft are believed to be supported by multiple cruise missiles, which have been fired from the Russian Black Sea Fleet.
The Ukrainian military has been quick to respond, with air defence systems such as the S-300 and S-400 missile defence systems, as well as the Buk and Tor missile systems, engaging the Russian aircraft and missiles. The Ukrainian air force has also scrambled its own fighter jets to engage the Russian planes in dogfights.
In a statement, Ukraine’s Defence Ministry reported that multiple Russian aircraft have been shot down, including a Su-34 bomber, which was destroyed over the city of Vasilkiv, west of Kyiv. The ministry also reported that several Russian missiles had been intercepted and destroyed by Ukraine’s air defence systems.
Despite the significant Russian air assault, Ukraine’s air defence systems have managed to protect the city from sustained attacks, with many civilians taking to social media to report hearing explosions and anti-aircraft fire throughout the night.
The attacks come as Russian forces continue their push into Ukraine, with reports of fighting in several cities and towns across the country. The United States and other Western nations have imposed severe economic sanctions on Russia in response to the invasion, and many have called for additional measures to be taken to support Ukraine.
The international community has also condemned the attacks, with the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres calling for an immediate end to the violence and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
In Kyiv, residents have been advised to remain indoors and to avoid areas where air defence systems are operating. Many have taken to shelters and basements to wait out the attacks, with some reporting panic and fear as the city is bombarded from the air.
Despite the chaos and uncertainty, Ukraine’s military and government remain resolute in their defense of the country, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issuing a statement urging Ukrainians to remain brave and united in the face of the Russian aggression.
As the situation continues to unfold, the world watches anxiously, hoping for a swift and peaceful resolution to the conflict. In the meantime, the people of Kyiv and Ukraine continue to face the brunt of the Russian aggression, with air defence systems engaged in a desperate bid to repel the attacks and protect the city from further harm.