Russia launches fresh strikes across Ukraine 

Russia has launched fresh strikes across Ukraine with the latest wave of missile and drone attacks this Friday. 

The capital Kyiv, Kharkiv in the north, Odesa in the south and the central city of Kryvih Rih were all targeted. 

Strikes on Ukrainian cities have intensified this week as Russia targets the country’s civilian infrastructure. 

Friday’s strikes – residential building hit, power out

Blasts have been reported in north-eastern Kyiv, and a residential building has been hit in Kryvih Rih.

Power is down in Kharkiv and Sumy and many cities have been put on alert. 

The mayor of Mykolaiv said as many as 60 missiles were believed to have been fired. 

Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has told people not to leave shelters. 

US preparing to send air defence missiles

Ukrainians are suffering in freezing temperatures as a result of the Russian attacks. As winter sets in across Ukraine, many are worried that further attacks on power facilities could “lead to a further serious deterioration in the humanitarian situation and spark more displacement”.

This week’s Russian attacks have already killed civilians and the latest round of strikes are reported to have hit at least one residential building. 

The US is preparing to send Patriot air defence missiles to Ukraine, a move that Russia will likely see as an escalation in the war.