Multiple missiles hit Kiev city, Russia warns EU of 'decades' crisis

The Guardian news agency quoted Kiev officials as saying that at least two rocket attacks occurred in the city center at 8:15 and 9:20 this morning (local time). Then two more explosions occurred at 9:30. "Several explosions occurred in the Shevchenkiv district in the center of the capital. We will update the details later," Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko wrote on Telegram.

“Air raids are underway. I ask people to remain calm and take shelter in underground bunkers. Air defense forces have been deployed to combat duty. I repeat that air raid sirens are still working, people should not ignore them and should seek shelter. Please wait,” said Kiev region governor Oleksiy Kuleba.

Scene of the attack on Kiev this morning. Photo: The Guardian

According to The Guardian, a series of ambulances were deployed by Kiev city officials to many areas where missiles fell.

“The city centre was hit, right next to Shevchenko Park. Missiles landed on a major intersection during the morning rush hour. According to local authorities, the attacks left a number of civilians dead or injured,” said Christopher Miller, a correspondent for the Financial Times in Kiev.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later issued a statement about the attacks.

“There have been rocket attacks, which have killed or injured a number of civilians. I urge people not to leave their shelters and take care of themselves and their loved ones,” Mr. Zelensky said in a video posted by the Office of the President of Ukraine this morning.

According to Al Jazeera news agency, the above attacks took place just hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the explosion on the Crimean bridge "of being arranged, carried out and ordered by Ukrainian special services".

Russia warns EU of 'decades' crisis

According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the rejection of Russian energy by European Union (EU) countries will cause them to "lose their competitiveness in the market".

“Turning away from Russian energy will have very tragic consequences for the EU, with the prospect of deindustrialization in the next 20 years. Production will collapse. It is precisely their repeated talk about getting rid of Russian energy that has led to the current situation,” RT news agency quoted Mr. Peskov as saying.

“Meanwhile, the US sells gas at prices three to four times higher than ours. European leaders are making their economies less competitive by paying such huge amounts to American suppliers,” Peskov added.

EU officials have yet to comment on Mr. Peskov's statements.