KYIV, Ukraine — Russia launched missiles in opposition to Kyiv for the third time in 5 days and likewise focused different areas Monday as Moscow escalated its aerial bombardment of Ukrainian cities whereas the entrance line within the battle stays largely stationary.
9 individuals have been injured within the morning strike on the Ukrainian capital, the Ukraine Rescue Service mentioned. The Pecherskyi district was the toughest hit. Missile particles broken properties in two districts and a neighborhood faculty fitness center in one other district, Ukraine’s Nationwide Police mentioned.
Russia fired two ballistic missiles at Kyiv from occupied Crimea within the daylight assault, however each have been intercepted above town, mentioned Serhii Popko, head of the Kyiv Metropolis Navy Administration.
Later within the day, Ukrainian information shops reported at the least two explosions within the southern metropolis of Odesa as Russian missile strikes additionally focused a number of different areas. There was no quick phrase on accidents or injury there.
On Thursday, Russia attacked Kyiv for the primary time in six weeks, firing greater than two dozen missiles earlier than daybreak. On Friday, Russia unleashed a large assault in opposition to Ukraine’s power sector, calling the assault retaliation for current strikes on Russian soil.
Days of intense Ukrainian shelling of the Russian border area of Belgorod led Russia to announce plans to evacuate about 9,000 kids.
The bombardment of Kyiv additionally got here three days after a live performance corridor assault in Russia killed greater than 130 individuals. Russian President Vladimir Putin sought to tie the assault to Ukraine, despite the fact that an affiliate of the Islamic State group claimed duty.
Putin may use the Moscow assault to shore up help for the battle and as a pretext to escalate assaults on Ukraine, analysts mentioned.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed his enchantment for Western companions to supply extra air protection techniques to guard in opposition to the unrelenting assaults.
“We by no means tire of repeating that Ukraine wants extra air protection,” he mentioned. “That is safety for our cities and saves human lives.”
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Comply with AP’s protection of the battle in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
