Ukraine war: Multiple explosions in Kyiv as Ukraine reports kamikaze drone strikes
At least three explosions have been heard in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, after air raid sirens went off.
Mayor Vitalii Klitschko said residential buildings in the central Shevchenkivskiy area had been damaged.
Andriy Yermak, head of President Zelensky's office, said the attacks were from so-called kamikaze drones.
A week ago, the capital was hit by several Russian missiles at rush hour, part of nationwide attacks which left 19 dead.
The explosions on Monday happened at around 07:00 local time (04:00 GMT), said the BBC's Paul Adams, who is in the city.
Writing on the Telegram social media site, Mr Klitschko said they were in the Shevchenkivskiy district, which was hit by several strikes last week.
He said rescuers were on site, and told residents to stay in air raid shelters.
Mr Yermak said on Telegram that the attack was from kamikaze drones, and that Ukraine needed more air defence systems "as soon as possible".
What are kamikaze drones?
- Small aerial weapons, also known as loitering munitions, which are destroyed after striking the target
- Unlike other drones - which are supposed to return home after dropping missiles - kamikaze drones are disposable
- The name derives from the Japanese pilots who volunteered to crash their planes in suicide missions in World War Two
- President Zelensky has previously accused Russia of using Iranian-made drones
Russian President Vladimir Putin said last week's strikes were in retaliation for the bombing of a key bridge linking Russia to occupied Crimea, which he blamed on Ukraine.
It was the first time during the war that the centre of Kyiv had been directly targeted.
Earlier this week, Mr Putin said there was no need for more large-scale strikes on Ukraine.
Most designated targets had been hit, he said, adding that it was not his aim to destroy the country.
BBC
