Russia's 'extraordinary attack' targets the capital Kiev at midnight

International Desk: Russia launched an 'extraordinary attack' on Tuesday (May 16) midnight targeting the capital of Ukraine, Kiev. Officials in Kiev said Russian forces used drones, cruises and possibly ballistic missiles in the attack, which was carried out in the dark of night. This is the eighth Russian attack in Kiev this month. However, Ukraine has claimed to have destroyed most of the drones and missiles used in these attacks. Serhii Popko, the head of Kiev's military administration, said: 'It was exceptional in terms of the intensity of the attack. The maximum number of missiles has been launched in less time.' The military official also said on the Telegram app, "According to preliminary information, most of the enemy attacks have been detected and destroyed in the air." However, the exact number of drones or missiles shot down by Ukraine's air defense system is not known in detail.

Besides, it is not certain whether the missile launched by Russia hit any target. Missile debris was found in Kiev's Obolonsky, Shevchenkivskyi, Solomanskyi and Darnatskyi districts on Tuesday, Reuters reported, citing local officials. It is also unclear how many drones and missiles Russia had launched for the attack. But warning sirens sounded throughout Kiev during the attack. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko told the Telegram channel that three people were wounded and a large building was damaged in the new Russian attack.

The drone attack also took place in Borespil, a town near the capital Kiev. The largest civil airport in Kyiv is located here. However, the airport is currently closed. Local journalists reported that at least 10 large explosions were heard in Kiev. In addition, some eyewitnesses of the attack said that they heard the sound of a missile being destroyed. Earlier, Ukrainian intelligence said that Russia currently does not have the ability to carry out large-scale attacks. However, they said, Russia's missile stockpile has not been exhausted yet.

As a result, they can launch powerful attacks using missiles. Later on Tuesday morning, the Ukrainian army said that the Russian forces fired 18 missiles during the night. They have managed to block all of them. In this regard, the head of the army of Ukraine, Velary Zhaluzhny, said in a telegram, "A total of 18 different types of air, sea and land-based missiles have been launched. All 18 missiles were destroyed by air defenses of the Army and Air Force.'