Ukrainian authorities report that their air defenses successfully intercepted and destroyed 15 Russian cruise missiles that were launched overnight towards the capital city of Kyiv.

Serhiy Popko, a high-ranking military official in Kyiv, stated that there were no reported casualties resulting from the attack. He speculated that the missiles were launched from four bombers originating from the Caspian Sea region.

The timing of the missile strikes coincided with the approaching Victory Day celebrations in Russia.

The holiday on 9 May marks the commemoration of the Soviet Union's triumph over Nazi Germany during World War Two.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has drawn comparisons between the conflict in Ukraine, which he erroneously portrays as a fight against a "neo-Nazi regime," and Adolf Hitler's invasion of the Soviet Union.

In a statement shared on Telegram, Ukraine's air force revealed that "during the night leading up to the 'sacred' May 9, (Russia) initiated an assault on Ukrainian territory."

Mr. Popko stated that Russian forces were attempting to cause maximum civilian casualties on this significant day.

Following Ukraine's claim of Russia's largest drone attack of the war on Sunday night, the most recent assaults have occurred.

The previous wave of drone and missile strikes resulted in the death of at least one person and left five injured.

As Moscow prepares for the significant Victory Day military parade, a sense of unease pervades the atmosphere.

Over the past week, Russia has experienced a sequence of explosions, drone attacks, and acts of sabotage, including an alleged drone strike on the Kremlin.

While Moscow accused Ukrainian drones of these incidents, Kyiv has denied any involvement.