Huge Wave of Russian Airstrikes Hit Ukraine, Widespread Destruction

KIEV – Ukraine was subjected to the latest major wave of Russian airstrikes on Thursday morning (26/1/2023). Several explosions at energy facilities were reported from various parts of the country, including the capital, Kiev.

“An explosion in Kiev. Stay in the shelter,” Mayor Vitaly Klitschko wrote on Telegram.

Videos on social media showed thick black smoke rising from an undisclosed location in the city. The Kiev Metro has reportedly suspended operations during the airstrikes.

The Ukrainian Railways Service has announced some trains will be delayed as news of the airstrikes start coming in.

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Reports of explosions also came from the Black Sea port of Odessa, where at least two power substations were said to have been hit.

According to social media accounts, there is a shortage of electricity and problems with internet access in the city.

Explosions were also reported from Dnepr, Vinnitsa, Krivoy Rog, Nikolaev and from several other locations.

Ukrainian officials say air defenses have been activated in Kiev, Vinnitsa, and Zhytomir Regions.

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Earlier, Adviser to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Anton Gerashchenko said the Russian missiles entered from the direction of the Caspian Sea.

Moscow has been increasing pressure on Ukraine since October last year, when it accused Kiev of using “terrorist tactics” and of targeting Russian infrastructure, including the strategic Crimea Bridge.

Since then, a number of large-scale missile attacks have been carried out on Ukrainian military installations and energy facilities, causing rotating blackouts across the country.

(she)