Russia has intensified its offensive in Ukraine, attacking cities in the country’s west and center for the first time.
Following the Russian bombing, authorities reported severe humanitarian situations in the beleaguered southern port city of Mariupol and the eastern city of Kharkiv. In a probable hint of an impending assault, a Russian convoy stretched out near Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital.
Several explosions were reported in western Ukraine, where Russian soldiers have yet to strike since the invasion began on February 24. Lviv, as well as airfields in Lutsk and Ivano-Frankivsk, have been targeted by Russian strikes.
Three missiles struck the central city of Dnipro, which had been a reasonably secure refuge for evacuees and a center for humanitarian coordination since the Russian assault began. One person was killed.
According to satellite imaging company Maxar, a Russian military convoy nearing Kyiv appeared to have “dispersed and redeployed,” stoking worries of a new attack on Ukraine’s capital.
As per a US defense official, Russian troops have pushed 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) closer to Kyiv, bringing them to within 14 kilometers (9 miles) of the city center.
Russian troops appear to have encircled Chernihiv, which is located north of Kyiv. In Chernihiv, NetBlocks reported massive internet outages amid concerns of new air attacks that could impair communications.
