On Monday night (5/8/23), Ukraine’s air force shot down 35 Iranian-made Shahed drones as Russia launched a fresh wave of air strikes using drones and missiles. However, the shattered remnants injured residents and damaged vehicles, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the attack was the most severe on Kyiv since the invasion started.
In Kyiv’s Svyatoshinsky district, high-rise residential buildings were damaged, windows shattered, and the debris damaged at least seven cars. Even though the Ukraine Air Defense averted the imminent danger, four civilians were killed.
Iranian-made Shahed drones, also called suicide drones or ‘kamikaze,’ have been frequently used by Russian forces. As the Kremlin faces sanctions and limits on its supply chains, kamikaze drones offer an inexpensive way to launch attacks from a significant range. However, according to experts, Shahed drones are easy to shoot down when spotted on time.
The missiles and drone attacks came during the traditional Victory Day celebrations, which mark the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. Reportedly, Moscow has enforced tight security ahead of the Red Square commemoration. Russia has banned the use of drones and jet skis in Moscow and St. Petersburg. However, the parades will proceed in both cities.
