Russia pummeled Ukraine with hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles early Tuesday, killing at least 18 people, days after threatening a large-scale attack and warning foreign citizens to leave Kyiv.
Authorities in the Ukrainian capital had warned that Russia was preparing the latest in a string of massive deadly strikes that have escalated the four-year-old war and dimmed the slim hopes for peace.
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The Ukrainian air force said Russia had launched 73 missiles and 656 drones, adding it had downed 602 drones and 40 of the missiles.
AFP journalists in Kyiv heard air raid sirens wailing over the city before a series of loud explosions that lasted through the night sent residents with bags and blankets rushing to shelter in crowded metro stations.
