Ukraine-Russia: Large explosions rock Kyiv

Several explosions have rocked Kyiv overnight following months of relative calm in the Ukrainian capital.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says several people have been killed and injured following multiple strikes in cities across the country.

Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported explosions in the city’s Shevchenkivskyi district, a large area in the center of Kyiv that includes the historic old town and several government offices.

The spokesperson for the emergency service in Kyiv said there had been an unconfirmed number of casualties. Rescuers were working in different locations, Svitlana Vodolaga said.

The explosions appeared to be the result of missile attacks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said several people have been killed and injured following multiple strikes on cities across Ukraine, including the first bombardment on the capital for months.

“Air raid sirens are not subsiding around Ukraine… Unfortunately, there are dead and wounded. Please do not leave the shelters,” Zelenskyy said on social media, accusing Russia of wanting to “wipe us from the face of the Earth”.

Agencies