UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT ZELENSKYY APPRECIATES AIR DEFENCE PERSONNEL AFTER BOMBARDMENT OF 40 RUSSIAN DRONES

Ukraine claimed on Sunday to have thwarted the largest overnight drone attack on Kyiv "since the start of the Russian invasion", with military authorities saying they had destroyed 52 of the 54 explosive drones launched by Moscow in the country, including "more than 40" over the capital.

     You are heroes," said Mr Zelensky.In Khmelnytskyy, a strike on a military airfield damaged five aircraft and the runway, said regional authorities.

Oleksandr Scherba, the ambassador-at-large at Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told the BBC that the last few days had been very difficult for Kyiv residents.

"Almost every night, the skies look and sound like another Star Wars episode, but we don't feel much of Russian rockets hitting their targets here within the city area. And this is all thanks to the decent countries, decent people of the world who gave us this air defence," he said.

     Russia has stepped up its attacks on Kyiv in recent weeks, seeking to overwhelm the capital's defences.

Saturday's overnight attack came as the people of the capital prepared to celebrate Kyiv Day, the anniversary of the city's foundation.

In a remarkable demonstration of resilience, people took to parks, bars and restaurants in the capital to celebrate the holiday.

In its recent attacks, Russia - which launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022 - has been using kamikaze drones as well as a range of cruise and ballistic missiles.

Analysts say Moscow is seeking to deplete and damage Ukraine's air defences ahead of its long-expected counter-offensive.

On Saturday, one of Ukraine's most senior security officials told the BBC the country was ready to launch such an operation.

Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of the powerful National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, said an assault to retake territory from President Vladimir Putin's occupying forces could begin "tomorrow, the day after tomorrow or in a week".