Overnight Kyiv has been rocked by a series of explosions in a “massive attack” as Russia bombarded Ukraine with cruise missiles and drones.
The attack marks the start of Vladimir Putin’s winter campaign against the civilian population as energy infrastructure is being targeted which led to power outages.
Authorities in Kyiv said that more than 20 Russian missiles and drones were intercepted in the early hours of Thursday.
Kyiv’s Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram that missiles debris had fallen over several districts in the capital.
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At around 4.30 am air raid sirens were heard and according to a Kyiv Post reporter in the Podil district a loitering drone was heard following by anti-aircraft fire which then led to an explosion.
In the city centre a series of explosions were heard and air defence systems intercepted more missiles and drones, the Kyiv Post reported.
A Russian Tu-95MS strategic warplane launched X-101/555-type cruise missiles, Serhii Popko, head of Kyiv’s military administration.
Emergency services attended at least two locations in the city, Klitschko said, “Kyiv survived another night attack by Russian barbarians.
“In the Svyatoshyn district, where there were power outages, the power industry has restored the electrical power.
“According to medics, seven people were injured in Darnytsia district. Three of them are in city hospitals. Four people received help on the spot, there were no injuries.”
Ukrainian forces downed 36 out of 43 cruise missiles which were launched by Russian bombers, Valery Zaluzhny, commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces said.
Ukraine’s General Staff said, “Since the beginning of the current day, the Russian occupiers have launched a massive missile attack on the civilian infrastructure of a number of regions.
