Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, faced its most significant drone attack since the commencement of Russia's full-scale invasion, as confirmed by the city's mayor.

Residents were startled awake by explosions in the early hours of Saturday, enduring over six hours of continuous booming sounds resonating from Kyiv's air defenses. The onslaught, emanating from the north and east, comprised multiple waves of attacks.

Reports indicated that more than 75 Iranian-manufactured Shahed drones were deployed against the capital, with all but one successfully intercepted. In light of Russia's diminishing missile supplies, these drones are being viewed as a cost-effective alternative. Their slower pace compared to ballistic missiles and distinct wingspan make them recognizable.

The night's symphony blended the whirring of drone engines with the thunder of the city's air defense system. Despite interception attempts, the potential danger from falling debris remained a concern.

Fortunately, no deaths were reported from the assault, though at least five individuals, including an 11-year-old child, sustained injuries, according to Kyiv's Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko. Among the structures damaged was a kindergarten.

Following a period of relative quiet, suspicions of Moscow amassing missiles abruptly shifted to reality with this morning's attack.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes as "willful terror" and reiterated Ukraine's commitment to rallying global defense against Russian aggression. Zelensky seeks continued Western support while negotiating Ukraine's potential path to EU membership.

Highlighting the attack's timing, President Zelensky noted its coincidence with Ukraine's commemoration of the 1932-1933 Holodomor famine, a tragic event resulting in millions of Ukrainian deaths orchestrated by Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin.

Amidst the harsh winter, concerns persisted regarding Russia targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, exemplified by 16,000 homes losing power in central Kyiv. This incident seemed indicative of Moscow's intentions. However, despite previous attempts to disrupt power and water supplies, Ukrainian authorities have managed swift repairs to damaged infrastructure, while enhancing air defense capabilities.

Nonetheless, such strikes have a tangible impact, causing casualties, damaging homes, instilling fear, and disrupting lives. Photo by Tasnim News Agency, Wikimedia commons.