Russian missile strikes rock Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine

Loud explosions rocked Ukraine's capital Kyiv early on Sept 2 as Russia launched a barrage of missiles, sparking fires and damaging homes and infrastructure, officials said.

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Residents across the city were awoken by a quick succession of bangs and the sound of air defence missiles blasting off skyward to intercept targets.

The air force said it had destroyed 22 out of 35 missiles and 20 of 23 attack drones. It listed several types of cruise and ballistic missiles used by Russia.

Air raid alerts sounded across Ukraine for nearly two hours before the air force declared the skies clear at 6.30am. Neighbouring Nato member Poland activated Polish and allied aircraft to keep its airspace safe during the attacks.

The broad bombardment, a week after Russia unleashed its largest air attack on Ukraine since fullscale war began early in 2022, coincided with the return to school for many children.