Russia Intensifies Strikes on Ukrainian Cities

The intensity of strikes on Ukrainian cities has escalated this week, with Russia re-targeting the country's civilian infrastructure. Kharkiv has lost power, while explosions have been reported in the northeastern region of Kyiv. Officials have warned of potential casualties following a shelling of residential buildings in Kryvyi Rih.

Several other cities have also been affected. The mayor of southern Mykolaiv, Vitaliy Kim, stated that preliminary reports indicate up to 60 missiles have been fired. The governor of the Sumy region, near Ukraine’s northern border with Russia, also reported power outages in that area. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko urged residents to remain in shelters.

Due to the winter conditions, millions of Ukrainians are left without electricity. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, warned on Thursday that further attacks on energy facilities could lead to a significant worsening of the humanitarian situation and result in new displacements.

It is also reported that U.S. President Joe Biden is finalizing plans to send Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine after months of requests from Kyiv.