Multiple missile strikes on Ukraine cities by Russia as revenge for bridge attack

KYIV: 11 civilians were killed and 70 injured in a Russian missile attack in Ukraine in response to the destruction of the Kerch bridge connecting Crimea with Russia. The death toll is likely to rise.

Attacks were reported even in the capital city Kyiv. This is the first time in months that Russia has targeted Kyiv. The first explosion occurred in central Kyiv at around 8.30 am local time on Monday.

There were attacks via the land, the sea and the sky. Ukraine said Russia fired 81 cruise missiles and they destroyed 43 of them as of Monday afternoon. Russia also used Iranian drones. Energy facilities in Ukraine were the main targets. Cruise missiles cut off electricity and water supplies. Tourist centers and parks in Kyiv were damaged. Explosions occurred in major cities such as Lviv, Ternopil, and Zhytomyr in western Ukraine, Dnipro and Kremenchuk in central Ukraine, Zaporizhzhia in the south, and Kharkiv in the east.

Germany alleged that their consulate was damaged in missile attack. The consulate has been closed since February 24. NATO and the European Union condemned the Russian attack. At the same time, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said that he would deploy Russian troops along the western border as he was sure that Ukraine would attack him as well.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned of the consequences if Ukraine dared to touch the Russian soil. While Ukraine President Zelensky alleged that Russia is trying to wipe them from the face of the Earth.

The Indian Embassy in Kyiv has issued an advisory warning to Indian citizens in Ukraine after Russia intensified attacks. The advisory states that safety and security guidelines issued by the Ukrainian government and local authorities must be strictly followed. Also, Indian citizens should inform the Embassy about complete details including their place of residence and are advised to avoid non-essential travel to and within Ukraine.