NEWS DESK
KYIV: Russian forces carried out drone attacks and fired 60 missiles across Ukraine on Friday, striking the capital Kyiv and cities in the west, north, and south, officials said.
Two persons were killed and five injured when Russian forces hit a residential building in Kryvih Rih in Ukraine.
Russian attacks have intensified this week as Moscow targets civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.
Power was completely down in several regions, including Kharkiv in the north.
Air force spokesman Yuriy Ignat said the alarm was increased across Ukraine, and 60 missiles were fired. According to some reports, drones were also involved in the latest strikes.
Russian strikes targeting civilian infrastructure
Electricity was also out in the Sumy region close to Ukraine’s border with Russia and the central cities of Kremenchuk and Poltava.
Ukraine says Russia is preparing for major ground attacks.
UN human rights commissioner Volker Turk warned that further attacks on power facilities could deteriorate the humanitarian situation and cause more displacement.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said Russian attacks had damaged “all hydroelectric and thermal power plants,” causing widespread interruptions and blackouts in heating and water supplies.
Authorities say these strikes are Russia’s response to military setbacks amid Ukraine’s recent successes in retaking occupied territory from Russian troops.
It is not clear why Russia has intensified its attacks this week. Still, US President Joe Biden is mulling options to finalize plans to send the Patriot missiles system to Ukraine after repeated requests from Ukraine.
