Russia Attacks the Two Largest Cities in Ukraine

SadaNews - Officials reported that the two largest cities in Ukraine were subjected to Russian attacks early this Saturday morning, resulting in one death and injuries in the capital, Kyiv, and in Kharkiv to the northeast. The country was in a state of maximum alert as military authorities in Kyiv warned of missile strikes and drone attacks.

These latest attacks follow the conclusion of the first day of two-day talks between negotiators from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States in the United Arab Emirates, aimed at finding a solution to the ongoing war that has lasted nearly four years.

Vitaly Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, reported that attacks occurred in two areas on either side of the Dnipro River, which divides the capital.

Klitschko wrote on the messaging app "Telegram": "(the capital) Kyiv is under intense attack from the enemy."

The Ukrainian Air Force stated that drones and missiles were used in the attack on the capital.

Timur Tkachchenko, head of the military administration in Kyiv, reported drone attacks in at least three areas, which resulted in fires breaking out in at least two sites.

Since the beginning of the new year, Kyiv has experienced two intensive night air attacks, leading to power and heating outages for hundreds of residential buildings. Emergency crews are still working to restore services as nighttime temperatures drop to 13 degrees below zero.

In Kharkiv, which is frequently targeted by Russia and is located 30 kilometers from the border, Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported that Russian drones attacked several neighborhoods, resulting in 11 people being injured.

He wrote on the "Telegram" app that the drones targeted a shelter for displaced persons and two hospitals, one of which is designated for maternity.