AFP extension
ANNOUNCEMENTS•
Ukraine was rocked early this morning by the biggest Russian airstrikes in weeks. Most of the missiles could be shot down by Ukrainian anti-aircraft systems, authorities say. At the same time, neighboring Belarus claims that a Ukrainian missile has landed on Belarusian territory.
Air raid sirens have sounded across the country after dozens of Russian missiles hit various regions of Ukraine. According to President Zelensky, more than 120 rockets have been fired at civilian targets. It was later reduced to 69 missiles, of which 54 were intercepted.
No deaths have been reported so far. However, Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitsjko says at least three people were injured, including a 14-year-old girl.
As in recent months, vital infrastructure, such as energy and drinking water facilities, has been targeted. Russia is believed to be trying to undermine Ukrainian morale because the Russians are unable to defeat the country militarily.
Mayor Klitsjko warns of power outages and advises residents to stock up on water.
Explosions were also heard in Kharkiv, the country’s second largest city. In the western city of Lviv, located away from the front, electricity was lost in large parts of the city.
Ukrainian missile in Belarus
Belorussian state news agency Belta also reported today that a Ukrainian missile landed in Belarus. This happened at the moment when Russian missiles were launched against Ukraine.
President Lukashenko immediately dispatched a Defense Ministry investigative team to the scene. It was an S-300 missile that both Ukraine and Russia use as anti-aircraft missiles.
A few hours later, the Ministry of Defense reported that the Belarusian anti-aircraft system shot down the missile itself. Belarus says there is no cause for concern for residents of the region where the rocket fell. “These things just happen.”
