Russia launched new missile strikes on Ukraine, hitting at least one critical infrastructure target in Kyiv as explosions echoed around the outskirts of the capital.
An air raid alert was issued across Ukraine on Wednesday and Ukrainian media reported air defense systems in action in several parts of the country. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
Reuters correspondents in and around Kyiv said they heard several loud explosions and air defense missiles flying overhead. Emergency power cuts have started in Kyiv, a local energy supplier said.
“(Missiles) Hit any of the capital’s infrastructure. Stay in the shelters! Air alert continues,” Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko wrote on the Telegram messaging app.
He gave no details of the infrastructure affected, but Russian forces have increasingly targeted Ukrainian critical infrastructure in recent weeks as they faced setbacks on the battlefield following their Feb. 24 invasion.
The Russian attacks knocked out power for long periods for up to 10 million consumers at once. Ukraine’s national electricity grid operator said on Wednesday that more power cuts would be needed across the country.
Ukrainian officials said a newborn baby was killed in a Russian missile attack that hit a maternity ward in the southeastern Ukrainian city of Vilnyansk on Wednesday.
