Russia unleashed a renewed attack on Ukraine, targeting the country's central and western regions with drone and missiles as Kyiv's allies pledged increased air defense protection to help shield the war-ravaged nation.

Sirens sounded for more than six hours as Russia fired drones, cruise- and ballistic missiles and the Kinzhal hypersonic missile, Ukraine's air defense force said Monday on Telegram. At least one person was killed in the capital, Kyiv, and another was hospitalized "with multiple wounds." 

Kyiv is shrouded in smoke from fires in several districts, including an apartment building, local authorities said. The entrance to a central metro station, used as an air-raid shelter by civilians, was also damaged, they said. 

Britain and Germany are set to pledge new air defense systems for Ukraine on Monday, while the UK is pushing for a "50-day drive" to arm Kyiv and try to force Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table. 

Russia meantime was forced to close airports near Moscow following a Ukrainian drone attack. The airports resumed operations early Monday, the Interfax news agency reported, citing the Federal Air Transport Agency.

Russia has stepped up air attacks on Ukraine with record numbers of drone raids in recent weeks. It launched 728 drones on July 9, damaging residential buildings and infrastructure. The United Nations reported that Ukraine's monthly civilian casualties in June were the highest in three years, with 232 killed and 1,343 injured. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the weekend proposed meeting with Russia this week, more than a month after the last direct talks, to try to bring about a ceasefire. President Donald Trump has pledged more weapons for Ukraine and threatened 100% "secondary tariffs" on Russia unless Putin agrees to a ceasefire within 50 days. Trump said NATO states would pay for the arms.

Source: Bloomberg