Russian Missile Attack Shakes Ukraine's Kyiv

Russia's attack on Kharkiv Ukraine/screenshot via Instagram @zelenskyy_official

JAKARTA - A loud explosion rocked the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, as Russia launched a series of missiles. This attack sparked fires and damaged houses and infrastructure.

Residents across the city were awakened by a series of explosions and sounds of air defense missiles flying into the sky to intercept missile strikes.

The air force said it had destroyed 22 of the 35 missiles and 20 of the 23 unmanned attack aircraft. The air force lists several types of cruise and ballistic missiles used by Russia.

The airstrike warning sounded across Ukraine for nearly two hours before the air force declared the sky clear at 6.30 a.m., Monday, September 2.

Neighboring NATO member Poland activated Polish planes and its allies to keep its airspace safe during the attack.

The massive bombing, a week after Russia launched its biggest airstrikes on Ukraine since a full-scale war began in early 2022, coincided with the return of many children to school.

Yevheniia, a 33-year-old mother, tries to stay strong while escorting her 6-year-old daughter, Margo, to her first day of school.

This moment is celebrated in Ukraine, as is the case in Russia, with parents buying large bouquets of flowers for their young children.

"His hands were shaking, we woke up. Our apartment started to smell smoke, but we still have to go to school, right? We are Ukrainians," he said.