Russian launched the largest strikes against Ukraine in weeks, targeting Kyiv and other regions of the country on Thursday with over 120 missiles.
The barrage of rockets hit critical Ukrainian infrastructure using “air and sea-based cruise missiles launched from strategic aircraft and ships,” the Ukrainian air force said on Twitter.
They reported that “54 enemy cruise missiles were shot down by the assets of the Defence Forces of Ukraine.”
Air raid sirens sounded across the country, with Zelenskyy advisor Mykhailo Podolyak stating that Russia had targeted Ukraine with over 120 missiles, the Associated Press reported.
Russia initially sent explosive drones into Ukraine on Wednesday evening. On Thursday morning, it expanded the attack to include cruise missiles targeting infrastructure.
Kyiv activated air defense systems to defend against the missiles, regional officials said. But there were reports of explosions in the city, with at least three people injured. The city was also at risk of power outages, with residents told to stockpile water.
Multiple explosions also occurred in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city, and in Lviv, according to the mayors of both cities.