Ukraine under heavy attack as Russian missiles bombard multiple cities

On Monday morning, Ukraine found itself under heavy shelling from Russia. From the early hours, Russian missiles attacked at least ten regions of the country. The most significant strikes occurred in the Lviv region, Lutsk, and Kyiv, where people sought refuge underground. A recording from the overcrowded "shelter" surfaced online. "Pray for us," appealed Ukrainian parliament member Kira Rudyk.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported that eleven strategic bombers, Tu-95, took off from Russian airfields and launched missiles towards Ukrainian cities. A nationwide air raid alert was declared, and authorities urged residents to seek shelter in safe places.

News channels on Telegram tracking the movements of Russian bombers reported that the planes took off from three different airfields in Russia: Engels in the Saratov region, Olenya on the Kola Peninsula, and Dyagilevo in the Ryazan region.

The bombers then headed towards the Caspian Sea, from where they commenced the attack on Ukraine. Additionally, six Tu-22 bombers launched further cruise missiles aimed at destroying strategic facilities in different parts of the country.

The night preceding these events was also tumultuous. The Ukrainian air force reported multiple groups of Shahed drones heading towards Ukraine. Kyiv's air defence managed to shoot down over a dozen drones over the capital's suburbs, thus likely preventing more severe damage to the city.

A hazardous situation occurred in Lutsk, where a Russian attack damaged residential buildings. The mayor of Lutsk, Ihor Polishchuk, reported that one person was killed in the attack, and rescue services were working at the scene.

In the Poltava region, also affected by the attack, missiles hit an industrial facility, injuring at least five people. Explosions were also heard in Dnipro, Kharkiv, Kryvyi Rih, and Lutsk, as well as the Lviv region, which borders Poland.

Kyiv found itself in a challenging situation. The highest threat level was declared in the city.

In response to the massive attacks on Ukraine, Anton Herashchenko, a former advisor at the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs, posted a moving recording on his social media showing crowds of people sheltering in the Kyiv underground.

Just before 9 am, a moving post was also published by Ukrainian parliament member Kira Rudyk.

Still sheltered. No electricity. No water - reads Rudyk's post.

This post was instantly flooded with comments from internet users expressing their unity, solidarity, and support for Ukraine during these tough times.