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Russia unleashed waves of air strikes on Kyiv overnight in what officials said was the largest drone attack of the city but crowds poured into the streets later on Sunday to celebrate the anniversary of the Ukrainian capital’s founding.
Ukrainian military said it had downed 58 of the 59 launched drones, described by the air force as a record assault with the Iranian-made “kamikaze” drones. President Volodymyr Zelensky said all 36 drones targeting Kyiv had been destroyed.
The pre-dawn attacks came on the last Sunday of May when the capital celebrates Kyiv Day, the anniversary of its official founding 1,541 years ago.
“This is how Russia celebrates the day of our ancient Kyiv,” Zelensky said in his nightly address.
In what also appears to be the first deadly attack on Kyiv in May and the 14th assault this month, falling debris killed a 41-year-old man, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said, while several other people were injured.
Despite being exhausted from late-night stay in shelters, residents descended into the streets during the day to attend live concerts, sample food stalls and enjoy craft shows in festivities that were scaled down from previous years.
“Strength is in people, it is in cities, it is in life, and when life, people, and the most important cities for culture are despised, Russia will only face defeat,” Zelensky said.
Moscow did not comment on the attacks.
