Ukraine war: How Kyiv boosts defence, mobilises civilians amid increased Russian attacks

As Kyiv reels from back-to-back Russian aerial assaults, the city is scrambling to strengthen its defences, mobilise volunteers, and recalibrate its tactics for a fast-changing battlefield. 

In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times, Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, said the capital’s defenders remain “motivated and well-prepared” despite the mounting pressure. “Our soldiers clearly understand their tasks and responsibilities,” he said. “They are defending their city, their homes, and their families.”

Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital and largest city, is home to nearly three million residents. As the country’s political and administrative nerve centre, it has been a prime target throughout the war. While many Russian strikes have focused on power plants and infrastructure, recent attacks have also hit residential areas, prompting a stepped-up response from city authorities.

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Tymur Tkachenko

Tkachenko’s comments come in the wake of two of the most intense strikes on the city this year. On June 17, a Russian missile and drone attack killed 28 people and injured 134. Days later, on June 26, Russian forces launched 371 drones and missiles in a single night — 365 of which were intercepted, according to Ukrainian officials.

The latest escalation came on Sunday, when a Ukrainian F-16 pilot was killed while repelling an overnight Russian assault involving hundreds of drones, cruise, and ballistic missiles. The attack damaged homes and infrastructure across the country and injured at least a dozen people, local authorities said.

In Kyiv, families sought shelter in metro stations as air raid sirens blared. Gunfire and explosions echoed across the capital and in the western city of Lviv, where such attacks are rare.

Just days earlier, Kyiv’s civic spirit had shone through following another deadly barrage. In the hard-hit Solomianskyi district, children helped with the cleanup and later posed with Tkachenko as he handed out gifts and commendations — what he called a “testament to the resilience of our community".

To counter the escalating threat, Kyiv has expanded its territorial defence formations, encouraging civilian participation. “Anyone willing can apply to join,” he said. “Volunteers selected for air defence undergo specialised training and are actively involved in operations.”

The city also backs these efforts financially. “Kyiv allocates a significant portion of its budget to support these units,” Tkachenko said. “We are working to ensure this support continues to grow.”

Challenges

One of the biggest challenges now, he said, is Russia’s use of increasingly autonomous drones that are harder to detect or jam. “Our military specialists thoroughly examine downed enemy drones,” Tkachenko explained. “Based on their analysis, we develop countermeasures and implement improved defence solutions.”

Kyiv is also recruiting civilians with technical expertise for roles in drone interception and cyber defence. “This appeals especially to those who want to contribute to Ukraine’s defence in a modern and impactful way,” he said.

Security threats aren’t limited to the skies. 

Reports emerged recently of an alleged assassination plot targeting President Volodymyr Zelensky, said to involve a sleeper agent recruited during the Soviet era. Khaleej Times reached out to Russia’s Ministry of Defence for a response to the allegations but did not receive a comment by the time of publication.

In Kyiv, Tkachenko confirmed that counter-sabotage operations are ongoing in the capital. “These are carried out continuously,” he said, “through the cooperation of the military, police, and the Security Service of Ukraine.” He added that none of the elements of these operations are public.

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