Russian ballistic missile destroyed on approach to Kyiv
Russian forces launched a ballistic missile on Kyiv, but it was shot down by Ukrainian air defense on the approach, Serhii Popko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, reported.
The debris didn't damage civilian infrastructure nor civilians. Local authorities soon added that another two missiles launched from Russia were downed near Kyiv and damaged five houses.
The Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat also explained why the air raid alarm was announced after the residents of the capital heard the explosions.
"Ballistic missiles fly extremely fast and are not as visible on radar as cruise missiles. Ballistic missiles fly along ballistic trajectories, so it takes a few minutes from the launch site to hit the Ukrainian air defense system," he explained.
This was the first missile attack on Kyiv in 52 days, Popko noted.
Russian forces targeted Ukraine with 31 Shahed drones and three missiles of the models Kh-31, S-300, and Onyx overnight, the Air Force reported. Ukrainian defenses reportedly shot down some 19 drones.
