KYIV, Ukraine (NEWSnet/AP) — Residents of Kyiv woke up to air raid sirens this morning, as Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day and marks six months since the start of the Russian invasion.

Authorities in the capital banned large-scale gatherings until Thursday, fearing Russian missile attacks, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the public to be vigilant.

Wednesday's holiday commemorates Ukraine's 1991 independence from the Soviet Union.

The fear of airstrikes followed a weekend car bombing outside Moscow, which killed Darya Dugina, the daughter of prominent right-wing Russian Alexander Dugin.

Russia has blamed Ukraine for the attack, while Kyiv denies any involvement.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.