Loud Explosions Heard in Kyiv After Long Period of Calm

At least two loud explosions were heard in Kyiv at around 8 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11.

The Russian-launched missiles were the first major strike on Kyiv in nearly two months of calm.

On Telegram, Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said that according to preliminary information, anti-aircraft ballistic missiles took the missiles down over Kyiv’s left bank.

He advised Kyiv residents to stay in shelters.

Overnight Friday, Ukraine reported that it shot down what were likely Iranian-made Shahed kamikaze drones that were launched from the south.

According to preliminary data, there were no victims or destruction in the capital. But Kyiv City Administration warned on Telegram that there was a high probability that Moscow was checking Kyiv's air defenses in preparation for more attacks.

Journalists reported that they saw trails in the sky, shortly before air raid sirens sounded.

Asked why the alarm had gone off after the explosion, air force spokesman Yuriy Ignat said on television that “ballistic missiles fly extremely fast and are not as visible as cruise missiles on the radars.” 

The air force said it was clarifying whether the capital had been targeted by an Iskander ballistic missile, or by an S-400 anti-aircraft missile. 

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday that Ukraine had deployed more Western air defense systems, as it braces for a second full winter of Russian attacks on energy facilities.

The explosions come after a period of relative calm in Kyiv.

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Systematic strikes by Moscow's forces last year targeted Ukraine's energy grid, leaving thousands without heating or electricity in freezing temperatures for long periods.

Ukraine said Saturday it downed around two-thirds of the 31 attack drones launched overnight at the country by Moscow, mostly on frontline areas, AFP reported.

“Nineteen enemy Shahed-136/131 attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were destroyed. The Russian occupants sent most of the attack UAVs to the frontline areas,” the air force said, adding Russia also used several missiles.