Several powerful explosions were heard across Ukraine’s capital on early Saturday after Russian missiles and drones targeted multiple regions, prompting authorities to urge residents to take shelter as air defences were activated.“Explosions in the capital. Air defense forces are operating. Stay in shelters!” Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram, as air raid sirens sounded across the city, reported AFP.Ukraine’s air force announced a nationwide air alert in the early hours, warning that drones and missiles were moving over several Ukrainian regions, including Kyiv. AFP journalists in the capital reported hearing multiple loud explosions, some accompanied by bright flashes that briefly lit up the night sky.The latest attack comes at a critical moment when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy set to meet US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday to discuss a proposed plan aimed at ending the war that has killed tens of thousands since Russia’s invasion began in 2022.Russia has accused Zelensky and his European allies of attempting to “torpedo” the US-brokered peace initiative. Details of the proposal, revealed by Zelensky earlier this week, outline a 20-point plan that would freeze fighting along current front lines. The plan would potentially allow Ukraine to withdraw troops from parts of the east, where demilitarised buffer zones could be established.There was no immediate information on casualties or damage from the overnight strikes. Ukrainian authorities said assessments were ongoing.
