Russia targets Kyiv with largest drone attack of conflict, killing one

Russia launched its largest drone attack of the conflict yet on Ukraine's capital Kyiv, leaving one person dead and sparking fires across the city.

Ukraine's Ministry of Defense said Russia unleashed 54 Iranian Shahed drones early Sunday - 52 of which were shot down.

But the city's mayor, Vitali Klitshko, said a 41-year-old man died following the attacks, while falling drone debris at a gas station injured a 35-year-old woman.

Kyiv has been targeted several times this month but despite this fatalities are rare.

Falling drone debris also sparked fires in buildings across the capital, Klitshko said on Telegram.

Following the barrage, Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Ukrainian air defenses as "heroes."

"You look up to destroy enemy missiles, aircraft, helicopters, and drones. Every time you shoot down enemy drones and missiles, lives are saved," the president said.