Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Russian forces launched a large-scale attack against Ukrainian cities overnight on May 8. Russia launched cruise and ballistic missiles, rockets, and Shahed-type drones throughout the night, Ukraine’s Air Force reported.
Multiple explosions were heard in Zaporizhzhia and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts around 5 a.m. local time, Suspilne reported.
Residents reported hearing explosions in Kyiv around 5:30 a.m. local time. The Kyiv Oblast Military Administration also reported explosions around Kyiv Oblast, near the capital.
Ukrainian air defense are at work across all regions of Ukraine, including in Kyiv and as far west as the city of Lviv. Air raid sirens were previously heard in all regions across Ukraine.
No casualties were reported as of 5 a.m. local time.
In response to the Russian attack, Poland’s Air Force said it scrambled aircraft to protect Polish airspace.
“Tonight, intensive long-range aviation activity of the Russian Federation is observed, related to missile strikes carried out against objects located on Ukrainian territory,” Poland’s Air Force wrote.
Russian missile and drone attacks have increased in frequency and intensity in recent months. Ukraine suffers a critical shortage of air defense systems due to delays caused by Congress in passing U.S. military aid, giving Russian forces the opportunity to launch renewed assaults on energy infrastructure.
Ukrainian officials have warned that Russia is preparing for an anticipated summer offensive, amid dwindling Ukrainian ammunition and air defense.
President Volodymyr Zelensky previously urged partners to provide further air defenses, saying that failing to do so gives Russia a “global license for terror.”
“We need air defense and other defense aid, not turning a blind eye and long discussions,” he said on his Telegram channel.