F-16 fighter jets finally fly in Ukraine in major boost for Kyiv

Ukrainian forces intercepted 89 drones and one missile in the long-range raid that lasted for more than seven hours.

Most of the Russian munitions were aimed at Kyiv, with Serhii Popko, the capital’s administrative chief, describing it as “one of the most massive drone attacks on Ukraine during the entire war”.

Authorities said none of the drones reached their final targets, but debris from the interceptions did damage 13 hours in the wider Kyiv region.

Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelensky conceded on Wednesday that the US elections, which Donald Trump is favourite to win, poses a “challenge” to Ukraine.

Washington is Kyiv’s chief military backer, donating tens of billions of dollars worth of weapons.