KYIV: In a massive attack on Thursday midnight Russia fired nearly 120 missiles in a row from air and sea according to a Ukrainian Presidential advisor. Several cities including Kyiv have been struck, the official added. Air sirens sounded around Ukraine as the defense systems in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Zhytomyr, and Poltava were activated.
“December 29. Massive missiles attack… The enemy is attacking Ukraine from various directions with air and sea-based cruise missiles from strategic aircraft and ships,” Ukraine’s air force said on social media.
In the aftermath of the strike, the Kyiv mayor has warned of major power and water outages. 90 percent of the Western city Lyiv is said to be facing power outages with warnings of water disruptions making rounds.
A survey by military officials so far mentions damage to homes, an industrial facility, and a playground has been reported. The strike is said to have claimed the lives of three including a 14-year-old child in Kyiv. Two others were rescued from the rubble of a home that was damaged during the attack. Search and rescue operations are underway.
Russia captured swathes of Kharkiv in the early days of its invasion before Zelenky’s men reconquered most of the bordering region in an offensive fall for the Kremlin. Kherson has remained under bombardment from Russian forces which had retreated to the east bank of the river when the city was retaken in a major victory for Ukraine last month.
The attacks come in the backdrop of the Russian Minister’s statement that Moscow would not negotiate with Kyiv on the basis of the proposal put forth by Ukrainian President Zelensky which demanded that Kyiv accept its annexation of four regions.