Vitali Klitschko

Russian armed forces launched waves of drones against Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, in the early hours of the morning, with air defense systems activated to fend them off, the Ukrainian military announced.

On the morning of September 2, a Russian missile attack on Kyiv resulted in injuries and significant damage across multiple districts. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that two people were hurt, with one hospitalized.

Videos circulating online show the moment the unmanned aerial vehicle crashed into the building in the Russian city.

A drone attack by Ukraine targeted a high-rise building in the Russian city of Saratov on Monday morning as a “response” to a massive Russian bombardment in several Ukrainian regions, which resulted in three deaths and damage to energy infrastructure.

Explosions rang out in the centre of Ukraine's capital on Thursday, following air alerts prompted by Russian missiles and drones, a day after several civilians were killed on both sides of the conflict.

Around ten loud blasts were heard by AFP journalists from 05:00 am (0300 GMT) in Kiev, as well as air defence fire.

"We inform you that there is an intensive activity of the long-range aviation of the Russian Federation. We warn that Poland and allied aviation have been activated, which may lead to an increase in the noise level, especially in the southeastern part of the country," the command stated on X network.

A  missile strike killed 32 people in Kiev on Dec. 29, authorities said Thursday, raising the toll of the deadliest attack on the Ukrainian capital since the war began.

Russia has in recent days intensified aerial attacks against Ukraine, which says it has enough munition to withstand a few powerful assaults but would soon need more aid.

Ukraine's military raised air alerts nationwide on Tuesday, warning there was a threat of missile strikes from Russian bombers.

"Missile danger in areas where the air alert is on! Threat of launching cruise missiles from Tu-95MS aircraft. A total of 16 Tu-95MS strategic bombers are in the air," the air force said on Telegram.

Day 661 of the invasion of Ukraine. Summary of key events in the last 24 hours:

Two strong explosions were heard in central Kiev on Saturday morning by AFP journalists, who also saw trails in the sky, shortly before air raid sirens sounded.

"Strong explosions were heard on the left bank of the capital. According to preliminary information, the air defences worked against ballistic weapons," Kiev mayor Vitali Klitschko wrote on Telegram.

Ukraine said Friday it withstood a wave of Russian missiles including hypersonic Kinzhals, which were downed over the Kiev region where African leaders were due to hold talks as part of a peace mission.

"Russian missiles are a message to Africa: Russia wants more war, not peace," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said.