Russia Strikes Kyiv with Missiles and 90 Drones During Morning Rush Hour; Air Defenses Respond

Nov 13, 2024, 08:58 AM

On November 13, Russia escalated its attacks on Kyiv by launching a combined missile and drone assault on the Ukrainian capital during the morning rush hour, around 7:20 a.m. local time. The offensive involved air-launched cruise missiles fired from Tu-95 strategic bombers over the Caspian Sea, ballistic missiles including Iskander-M and KN-23, and approximately 90 Shahed drones. Ukrainian air defense systems, including electronic warfare units, successfully intercepted several cruise and ballistic missiles and downed many drones, reportedly neutralizing 106 out of 110 drones. Despite these efforts, explosions were heard in Kyiv, a fire broke out due to falling debris, and Mayor Vitalii Klitschko reported one person injured by drone wreckage. Residents took shelter in metro stations as the attack marked the first combined missile and drone strike on Kyiv in 73 days, signifying a significant escalation after a period of relative calm since August.