Kyiv faces record air raid alerts as Russia intensifies round-the-clock strikes

Kyiv is experiencing a record number of daily air raid alerts since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022, with new round-the-clock strikes causing major disruption to schools, businesses, and transport. Residents now face up to 13 shelter trips a day, prompting the government to plan a two-tier warning system. BBC Verify analysis of government data shows 76 alerts in the week from August 27, surpassing the previous high of around 66 in February 2022. Russia's new tactic includes faster jet-powered drones, which are harder to shoot down, with Ukraine's air force reporting only about 60 percent are intercepted. The attacks aim to weaken morale and damage the economy, disrupting the academic year and forcing businesses to close. President Zelensky has held emergency meetings to develop new interceptors, while analysts warn Russia may produce drones faster than Ukraine can respond, raising concerns for the coming winter.