Before the festivities in Kyiv: "The biggest drone attack on the city" - Walla! news

Iranian-made suicide drone attack in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine (Reuters)

A Ukrainian civilian was killed Tuesday night and at least two others were wounded during Russian airstrikes on the city of Kyiv, officials said, calling the bombing "the largest drone attack since the start of the war."

Ukrainian defenses reportedly intercepted at least 40 drones moving toward the capital, with one of the interceptions killing the 41-year-old resident, and others causing fires in residential buildings in the city. It is believed to be the first deadly attack on Kyiv, and the 14th overall, since early May.

The attacks occurred on the eve of Kyiv Day, when residents of the city mark its founding 1,541 years ago. Traditionally, the day is celebrated with street fairs, live concerts and museum exhibitions - which were also planned to take place this year, but on a smaller scale.

"Today, the enemy decided to 'greet' the people of Kyiv with its deadly drones," Sergei Popko, a senior Ukrainian military official, wrote on Telegram. "The attack was carried out in several waves, and the air warning lasted more than five hours," he added. "Ukraine's long history troubles insecure Russians," Andriy Yermak, head of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's office, wrote in a note.

"The attack was carried out in several waves, and the air warning lasted more than five hours," several buildings in the city burned (Photo: Reuters)

The Russian military has stepped up its attacks amid Ukraine's plans to launch a counteroffensive. Yesterday, Kyiv's National Security and Defence Council spokesman Oleksiy Danilov said in an interview with the BBC that "Ukraine is ready for its anticipated counteroffensive". He did not give an exact date, but said the offensive to regain territory from Russian forces could begin "tomorrow, the day after tomorrow or within a week."

Danilov warned that the Ukrainian government does not have the opportunity to "make a mistake" in making the decision because it is a "historic opportunity that the country cannot miss."

Danilov also said the Ukrainian military would launch a counteroffensive when commanders decided that "at this stage of the war, it will lead to the best outcome." Asked if Ukrainian forces were ready, he said: "We are always ready. It is not a question of time. We must understand that this is a historic opportunity given to us – by God – for our country, and we cannot lose so that we can become an independent, great and European country."

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