The death toll from the large-scale Russian missile attacks on Ukraine has continued to rise. Authorities have reported at least nine deaths and dozens of injuries. The power has gone out in several places.
Russia carried out a large-scale attack with drones and missiles, according to the Ukrainian air force. Explosions have been heard and casualties reported in several cities, including Kyiv. An air force spokesman said Russian forces first deployed a wave of drones. This was followed by a rocket attack. The air raid siren has been declared for the entire country since 6 a.m. Dutch time.
Explosions were already reported last night in cities such as Kyiv, Lviv and Kharkiv. A fire reportedly broke out in the capital after attacks and an unknown number of people were injured, authorities report. Mayor Vitali Klitschko called on residents on social media to stay in shelters.
Help urgently needed
According to Oleg Synegubov, the head of the local military administration, the city of Kharkov was hit by “at least” ten attacks, in two waves. At least one person was killed and eight injured, and according to local police, a hospital was also damaged. Mayor Ihor Terechov specified that the attacks were carried out by S-300 and X-22 missiles and that they also disrupted electricity supplies for transportation.
People were also injured and fires broke out in other cities such as Odessa and Konotop after rockets hit them.
According to the Ukrainian government, the large-scale Russian attacks once again show that the country urgently needs international help. “We are doing what we can to strengthen our air shield. But the world must see that we need more support to stop this terror,” said Andriy Jermak, a top aide to the president.