Kyiv is now effectively encircled by Russian drones, the Ukrainian Air Forces reported on Tuesday, March 24, as Moscow’s daytime strike campaign continues.
A large number of kamikaze drones – commonly known as “Shaheds” – have been detected over the capital and surrounding regions. Similar threats were reported in Sumy, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Vinnytsia, Kirovohrad, Kherson, and Mykolaiv.
Officials also reported a large-scale drone attack in the Kyiv region, with monitoring groups warning that dozens of strike drones are heading toward the capital.
Explosions have already been reported in Kyiv’s suburbs. According to Ukrainian monitoring channels, drones are approaching targets from multiple directions, with groups moving in from the south and east via neighboring regions.
An air raid alert remains in effect in Kyiv and the surrounding region.
“Currently, in my opinion, Russian forces have used up to 40% of the strike resources prepared for the attack,” Defense Ministry adviser Serhiy (Flesh) Beskrestnov said, referring to the overnight strike.
“The attack on Ukraine continues. We expect more missiles today.”
The Ukrainian Air Forces said that as of Tuesday morning, air defenses had intercepted or suppressed 390 targets, including 25 missiles and 365 drones. Air defense systems continue to engage drones over Kyiv.
The overnight strikes also caused damage and casualties elsewhere:
- In Poltava, residential buildings and a hotel were damaged, killing two and injuring 11.
- In Dnipro, a multi-story building was hit, causing fires and injuring nine, including a 18-month child.
- A suburban train on the Slatino–Kharkiv route was attacked by a drone, resulting in deaths and injuries.
Beskrestnov noted that Russian forces are varying the timing and tactics of their strikes to test Ukraine’s air defenses. “They are spreading attacks over time to find weak spots,” he said.
The Ukrainian Air Forces warned that more drone and missile attacks are possible throughout the day.