Media reports have suggested the Starokostiantyniv airfield, about 225km west of Kyiv, could host advanced F-16 fighter jets transferred to Ukraine by Kyiv’s allies.

“Overnight the enemy attacked with 324 drones, four cruise missiles and three ballistic missiles,” the Ukrainian air force said, adding “the main target was Starokostiantyniv”.

The air force said it downed 309 drones and two missiles.

The attacks wounded eight people across the country, five of whom were in Kyiv, authorities said.

AFP journalists in the Ukrainian capital heard explosions in the early hours of the morning.

Ukraine has been pleading with its western partners for more air defences to help it fend off escalating barrages of Russian attacks.

Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated that call in a social media post today.

“We are constantly strengthening Ukraine’s air shield, and it is vital to maintain clear understanding among partners of how exactly they can help,” he said.