VLADIMIR Putin has committed “merciless attacks” across Ukraine including the shelling of Kyiv in revenge for the Crimea bridge bomb.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky sent a fierce warning to Russia after Vladimir Putin’s forces shelled the Ukrainian capital.
The Ukrainian police force has confirmed five people have been left dead by the Kyiv rocket attacks, with a further 12 injured.
Rostyslav Smyrnov, an aide to the interior minister, earlier put the figures at 8 killed and 24 injured as a result of the strikes.
But the Ukrainian defence ministry defiantly tweeted: “So, russkies, you really think you can compensate for your impotence on the battlefield with missile strikes on peaceful cities? You just don’t get it do you – your terrorist strikes only make us stronger. We are coming after you.”
Read our Ukraine-Russia live blog below for the latest updates…
Zelensky speaks with Netherlands’ PM
Following yesterday’s missile strikes killing 11 civilians in Ukraine, Zelensky has spoken with Mark Rutte, the PM of Netherlands.
Zelensky said they’ve “discussed the increase in defense support for Ukraine and the world’s coordinated response to the new attacks by the Russian Federation.”
They also spoke about how they will be “restoring destroyed Ukrainian infrastructure”.
Former Russian President warns of ‘other attacks’
Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian President, warned “there will be others” following today’s missile attacks in Ukraine.
Taking to social media Putin’s all said: “Ukraine would be a constant, direct and clear threat to Russia.”
He added: “The aim of our future actions must be the full dismantling of the political regime in Ukraine.”
India’s foreign ministry call for ‘urgent return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue’
India’s foreign ministry are “deeply concerned” following today’s escalation in Ukraine.
Spokesman Arindam Bagchi said India is willing to support “all attempts” at de-escalation, and stopping the war in Ukraine.
“We reiterate that escalation of hostilities is in no one’s interest,” he said.
“We urge immediate cessation of hostilities and the urgent return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue.”
Russia face heavy losses
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence have released their latest update on Russian losses.
A further 370 troops had been killed taking the total number of Russian personnel losses to 62,870.
Red Cross temporarily halts work in Ukraine
The International Committee of the Red Cross has temporarily halted its work in Ukraine for security reasons.
It comes after Russia fired missiles at multiple cities across Ukraine.
“For security reasons, our teams have paused operations today,” a spokesperson said in an emailed response to a Reuters question.
11 infrastructure facilities targeted in eight cities across Ukraine
Denys Shmyhal said one of the “first targets” was a “children’s playground”, he said: “Unfortunately, people died.”
Mr Shmyhal added: “As of 11am, 11 important infrastructure facilities in eight regions and the city of Kyiv were damaged.
“Now some areas are cut off. It is necessary to be prepared for temporary interruptions with light, water supply, and communication.
“The main goal of these war criminals is to sow panic, frighten, and leave Ukrainians without light and heat.”
Defiant Ukraine warns Russia: ‘We are coming for you’
The Ukrainian ministry of defence wrote on Twitter: “So, russkies, you really think you can compensate for your impotence on the battlefield with missile strikes on peaceful cities?
“You just don’t get it do you – your terrorist strikes only make us stronger.
“We are coming after you.”
Putin to meet atomic agency chief on Tuesday
Russian president Vladimir Putin will meet the head of the UN’s atomic energy agency Rafael Grossi in Russia’s second city Saint Petersburg on Tuesday, the Kremlin said.
Their meeting comes after repeated shelling of Ukraine’s Moscow-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant — Europe’s largest atomic facility — raised fears of an impending nuclear disaster.
Kremlin says latest shellings part of its ‘special military operation’
The Kremlin said explosions that rocked Kyiv on Monday were part of what it calls its “special military operation”.
Several Ukrainian cities were left without power or water supplies after dozens of Russian missiles hit cities across the country on Monday morning.
The multiple attacks are being seen as a revenge attack for the explosion on a key bridge linking Russia to the annexed Crimean peninsula over the weekend.
Foreign secretary Cleverly says shelling in Ukraine ‘unacceptable’
Mr Cleverly wrote: “Russia’s firing of missiles into civilian areas of Ukraine is unacceptable.
“I communicated with Dmytro Kuleba this morning to reinforce the UK’s ongoing moral and practical support to Ukraine.
“This is a demonstration of weakness by Putin, not strength.”
Putin’s attacks today are a sign of desperation Liz Truss claims
Liz Truss had a phone call with Zelensky earlier today following the devastating missile attack on Ukraine.
The PM took to Twitter saying: “The appalling attacks on civilian areas in Kyiv and elsewhere are a clear sign of Putin’s desperation.
“Ukrainians are succeeding, and Britain will stand right behind them as we continue to provide vital military aid in Ukraine’s fight for freedom.”
Zelensky reveals the destruction from today’s attacks
Russia launched an 83-missile strike in Ukraine today.
The deadly barrage of strikes against multiple cities across Ukraine on Monday including Kyiv led to huge destruction with burnt-out cars and shattered buildings.
China calls for de-escalation in Ukraine
China’s Foreign Ministry has called for de-escalation in Ukraine after explosions rocked several cities including Kyiv.
The blasts looked to be apparent Russian revenge strikes following a blast on a bridge linking Crimea to Russia.
Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said: “We hope the situation will deescalate soon,”
Zelensky dismisses suggestion that Putin must die for war to end
In a video uploaded to the official TikTok account of Ukraine, President Zelensky dismissed the suggestion that Putin will need to die for the war to end.
When asked if Putin will live if Ukraine wins the war he said: “I don’t care.”
This comes as a Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia killed 13 Ukrainians, including one child.
Zelensky discusses ‘aid in restoring damaged infrastructure’
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has discussed a G7 meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz today.
On Twitter, he said: “Agreed with Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany holding presidency of G7 on an urgent meeting of the Group.
“My speech is scheduled, in which I’ll tell about the terrorist attacks by [Russia Federation].
“We also discussed the issue of increasing pressure on RF & aid in restoring damaged infrastructure.”
US reiterates support for Ukraine
The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has taken to Twitter to share his support fro Ukraine after today’s attacks.
He said: I just spoke with @DmytroKuleba to reiterate U.S. support for Ukraine following the Kremlin’s horrific strikes this morning.
“We will continue to provide unwavering economic, humanitarian, and security assistance so Ukraine can defend itself and take care of its people.
Kyiv show ‘unbreakable’ spirit
Kyiv residents were heard singing from inside a metro station where they seeked shelter as air raid sirens sounded across the city.
Where did Russian missiles hit?
A Russian missile hit a bridge in Kyiv while a harrowing photo shows a crater that was formed near a children’s playground at the Taras Shevchenko park after the strike.
Explosions were also heard in the centre of Dnipro city while Ukrainian media reported explosions in Lviv, Ternopil and Zhytomyr, Kremenchuk Zaporizhzhia Kharkiv and Kropyvnytskyi.
Meanwhile, three cruise missiles launched against Ukraine from Russian ships in the Black Sea crossed Moldova airspace, the country’s Foreign Affairs Minister Nicu Popescu said.
Putin’s new general behind wave of brutality
Vladimir Putin promoted new General Sergey Surovikin just hours after Vlad’s prized bridge from Russia to Crimea was blown up.
The general is now believed to be orchestrating a brutal counterattack against Ukrainian forces to assert his power.
His first order of business was launching a deadly barrage of missiles towards nine major cities, including Kyiv, in a brutal revenge blitz.
One even landed near President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office – prompting him to blast Putin for trying to “wipe Ukraine off the map”.
Zelensky speak to Liz Truss
On his Telegram channel, Mr Zelensky wrote: “We count on Great Britain’s leadership in strengthening international political and defence support for Ukraine, in particular regarding the protection of our skies.
“We’ve discussed further resolute actions to increase pressure on Russia.”
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen slams Russia’s ‘vicious’ attacks
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has said that she is “shocked and appalled” following the attacks in Ukraine today.
Ursula added: “Putin’s Russia has again shown the world what it stands for: brutality and terror.
“I know that Ukrainians will stay strong.
“We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, with all the means we have.”
MoD release latest intelligence update
The UK’s Ministry of Defence have revealed that Russia will be focusing their advances within the Donbas region.
Ukraine’s forces are also making likely advances near Kherson according to the Ministry.
Red Cross to resume humanitarian assistance when ‘security situation allows’
The International Committee of the Red Cross said that it would be returning to a “full schedule of humanitarian assistance” only when the “security situation allows”.
In a statement, the Red Cross said: “Given the security situation in Ukraine earlier today, ICRC teams momentarily paused movements and sheltered and continued to work in place.
“ICRC’s full schedule of humanitarian assistance will resume immediately as the security situation allows.
“We are monitoring humanitarian needs to provide assistance as necessary.”
Zelensky speaks with Netherlands’ PM
Following today’s missile strikes killing 11 civilians in Ukraine, Zelensky has spoken with Mark Rutte, the PM of Netherlands.
Zelensky said they’ve “discussed the increase in defense support for Ukraine and the world’s coordinated response to the new attacks by the Russian Federation.”
They also spoke about how they will be “restoring destroyed Ukrainian infrastructure”.
Former Russian President warns of ‘other attacks’
Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian President, warned “there will be others” following today’s missile attacks in Ukraine.
Taking to social media Putin’s all said: “Ukraine would be a constant, direct and clear threat to Russia.”
He added: “The aim of our future actions must be the full dismantling of the political regime in Ukraine.”
