Russia has launched what Kyiv officials are calling the "biggest" kamikaze drone attack so far in the war against Ukraine.
The attacks fell on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, where Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said five people were injured and one was killed.
Ukraine's Red Cross said one of its warehouses was also hit, the BBC reports.
The Ukrainian military said the Russian raids launched just after midnight, and Iranian-made Shahed kamikaze drones were used. There were nearly 60 drones, but all but 36 were destroyed before making landfall.
According to Reuters, Debris from the destroyed drones injured five.
This was the fourth attack in eight days on Kyiv. In recent months, Kyiv has not been touched by attacks, but more recently, air raids have intensified.
The Ukrainian military command said there had also been a wave of missile strikes on the Kherson, Kharkiv and Mykolaiv areas. Eight people were injured in those strikes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also announced that Ukraine would celebrate Europe Day on May 9. Europe Day honors a day in 1950 when France issued a declaration that would later lead to the formation of the European Union. Today, the EU recognizes the day as one that celebrates "peace and unity in Europe." The decree – which is seen as a sharp criticism of Russia – needs parliamentary approval.
Zelensky also deemed May 8 a Day of Remembrance and Victory. Russia celebrates Remembrance and Victory Day on May 9.
"May our victory over the current evil of Rashism be the best way to honour the memory of those who fought against and defeated Nazism," Zelensky said in a Monday night video address, using a common phrase in Ukraine denoting "Russian fascism."
Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the date change is a betrayal.
"What is worse than an enemy? A traitor. That is Zelensky, the embodiment of Judas in the 21st century," she said.
Russia, meanwhile, held its annual Victory Day parade, the holiday celebrating the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945.
The war began in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine. Moscow is reportedly trying to capture the ruined city of Bakhmut, which has already been under attack for more than nine months.
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Roman Pilipey/Stringer
Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner.
