Ukraine braced for heavy attacks as Independence Day marked

Kyiv authorities banned large gatherings in the capital through Thursday, fearing the national holiday might bring particularly heavy Russian missile strikes

(AP)

Ukraine is braced for what President Volodymr Zelenskyy warned could be especially brutal Russian attacks as the country observed its Independence Day under conditions considered too dangerous to allow any major public celebrations in the capital.

Residents of Kyiv woke up to air raid sirens, but there were no immediate airstrikes.