At least 2 killed in Kiev after second night of heavy Russian attacks

At least two people have been killed after Russia launched a series of drone and missile attacks on the Ukrainian capital overnight, authorities said on Thursday.

Tymur Tkachenko, head of the military administration in the city, wrote on Telegram that at least 13 people had been injured in the attacks.

"Unfortunately, we have two dead. These people were killed by the Russians. This is a terrible loss. My condolences to the family and friends," he wrote.

Explosions from what were believed to be intercepted missiles and drones were heard across the city, as air defences responded to multiple waves of attacks. The Ukrainian air force had warned in advance of incoming ballistic missiles and dozens of combat drones.

Falling drone debris sparked fires in several districts, officials said. Air raid sirens were activated across more than half of the country.

On Wednesday, Russia attacked Ukraine with a record number of drones, as well as missiles, the Ukrainian air force said. The air force said that a total of 728 Iranian-type Shahed drones and decoys were launched towards Ukraine during the night.

In addition, Russia fired seven cruise missiles and six Kinzhal hypersonic missiles.

The previous highest number of Russian drones fired in a single night was just over 500.

Ukraine has been fending off a full-scale Russian invasion for over three years and is urging Western allies to bolster its air defence systems amid increasingly intense Russian attacks.