Russia launches intense air attack on Kyiv with drones, cruise and ballistic missiles

Loud explosions sounded above Kyiv early Tuesday as Russia launched an intense air attack on capital using a combination of drones, cruise missiles and possible ballistic missiles.

Russia's latest attack on Kyiv was “exceptional in its density — maximum number of attacking missiles in shortest period of time,” said Serhii Popko, head of Kyiv Military Administration.

It is eighth time this month that Russian air raids have targeted capital, a clear escalation after weeks of lull and ahead of a much-anticipated Ukrainian counter-offensive. It also comes as President Volodymyr Zelenksyy concludes a whirlwind European tour to greet Ukraine's key wartime allies, which spurred an additional tranche of pledged military aid.

“According to preliminary information vast majority of enemy targets in air of Kyiv were detected and destroyed,” said Popko, without providing an exact number of missiles shot down.

Debris fell across several districts in capital. In Solomyansky district, debris caused a fire in a n-residential building. fire was extinguished.

Debris set cars on fire and fell on grounds of a zoo, but losses were reported, said Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.