Reports say early on June 2, Russia launched a massive air strike on Ukraine, firing missiles and drones at Kyiv and several other cities across the country.
Around 1:30 a.m. local time, explosions were heard in Kyiv, and air raid sirens went off. Then at 2:15 a.m., more violent blasts followed, briefly cutting off electricity in some areas.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said multiple explosions happened across the city, and Ukraine’s air defense systems were engaging the attack. The head of Kyiv Military Administration, Serhiy Tkachenko, stated that Russian forces are using ballistic missiles to strike the capital.
Tkachenko reported: “In the Podilskyi district, multiple cars caught fire after the attack. In another building, missile debris fell on the roof, causing a fire and shattering many windows. In Obolon district, drone wreckage landed near a kindergarten, and a building under construction also burst into flames.”
On May 29, President Zelensky warned that based on intelligence shared by US and European allies, Russia was expected to launch a “large-scale attack” within the next 48 hours.
On June 1, Zelensky repeated: “Intelligence shows that Russia’s strike plans are still advancing, and they have completed preparations for an assault. A large-scale air strike could come at any moment. Our air defense forces are on standby 24/7 with the equipment we have.”
