Kyiv air raid alerts at record high as Russia launches round the clock strikes
Kyiv is experiencing a record number of daily air raid alerts as Russia shifts to round-the-clock strikes. The constant disruption is forcing the government to develop a new warning system to minimize the impact on daily life and the economy.
Why it matters
The escalation in frequency of attacks on the capital demonstrates a shift in Russian military tactics and the ongoing humanitarian and economic strain on Ukraine.
Figure caption, Watch: BBC reports from Kyiv as Russia ramps up attacks on the city
Kyiv is suffering more daily air raid alerts than at any time since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, according to BBC Verify analysis of government figures.
Most air attacks used to come at night but Russia's new tactic of striking Ukraine's capital during the day is causing huge disruption to schools and businesses.
The round the clock attacks have forced people to head for shelter as many as 13 times a day, with air raid alerts lasting from a few minutes to nearly four and a half hours.
Residents in Kyiv are struggling to adapt to this new reality, adding to existing stress and anxiety. The alerts force pupils to leave their classrooms and workers their offices and leave commuters struggling to get home as overland trains stop.
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