Russia declares wave of air strikes on Ukraine's Kyiv

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Russia declares wave of air strikes on Ukraine's Kyiv

Russia declared waves of air strikes on Kyiv overnight in what officials described as the largest drone attack of the city, but crowds poured into the streets later on Sunday May 28 to celebrate the anniversary of the Ukrainian capital's founding.

The Ukrainian military said it had downed 58 of the 59 drones that were launched, described by the air force as a record assault with the Iranian-made Kamikaze drones. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that all 36 drones target Kyiv had been destroyed.

The attacks occurred on May 30, on the last Sunday of the month when the capital celebrates Kyiv Day, the anniversary of its official founding 1,541 years ago.

This is how Russia celebrates the day of our ancient Kyiv, Zelenskyy said in a nightly address.

In what also appears to be the first fatal attack on Kyiv in May and the 14th attack this month, falling debris killed a 41-year-old man, mayor Vitali Klitschko said.

Despite having an exhausting night in shelters, residents dipped into the streets during the day to attend live concerts, sample food stalls, and enjoy craft shows in celebrations that were scaled down from previous years.

When life, people, and the most important cities for culture are dissatisfied, Russia will only face defeat, Zelenskyy said.

Moscow did not respond to the attacks. Russian media cited Peskov, a Russian spokesman, as reiterating that Moscow's goals in Ukraine will be achieved.

A number of Kyiv districts, including the historic Pecherskyi neighborhood, suffered during the overnight attacks, officials said, including the historical Pecherskyi neighborhood.

During the air raids that started soon after midnight, Reuters said, many people standing on their balconies, some shouting offensives directed at Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Glory to air defence slogans.