UPDATE: “The Situation is Critical” Following Russian Missile Strikes – Ukrainian President’s Office – Kyiv Post

The situation in Ukraine following today’s missile attacks by Russia is “critical”, the Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine has said.

In a post on Telegram, Kyrylo Tymoshenko wrote: “Most hits were recorded in the center and north of the country.

“The situation in the capital is extremely difficult, special schedules of emergency shutdowns are introduced.

“Ukrenergo is forced to initiate emergency power outages to balance the power system and avoid equipment accidents.”

100% owned by the Ukrainian government, Ukrenergo is an electricity transmission system operator and the sole operator the nation’s high-voltage transmission lines.

Tymoshenko also urged Ukrainians to consume electricity moderately and to believe in Ukraine’s victory.

According to the head of the military administration of the city of Kryvvi Rih, Oleksandr Vilkul, a “mass launch” of Kh-101 missiles took place in the Vologograd-Astrakhan Region earlier this evening, with the President’s Office reporting that a five-storey building in Kyiv was on fire.

“Urgently take cover,” Vilkul warned in a Telegram post. “Mass launch of x-101 missiles from TU-95 from the Volgograd-Astrakhan area, probably in two waves.

“Targets in Ukraine unknown. Do not ignore safety!”

On Telegram, Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko wrote: “Attack on the capital. According to preliminary information, two residential buildings were hit in the Pechersk district.

“Several missiles were shot down by air defense over Kyiv. Medics and rescuers at the scene of the hits. More details later.”

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air defense systems are kicking into action, with images surfacing on social media platforms allegedly showing a missile being shot down over Kyiv Region. At the time of writing this, other missiles are reportedly still airborne.

Locals have reported hearing loud explosions in central Kyiv. Preliminary reports say the Pechersk district has been hit.

Meanwhile, Vyacheslav Chaus, the Governor of Chernihiv Oblast, has posted the following message on Telegram:

“Attention!!! The air defence is at work in Chernihiv Region. In no case, by no means, send any photos or videos of explosions, the operation of the air defences, the location, and movement of troops.

“The missile attack continues. Stay in shelters or safe places.”

This is a breaking story. Kyiv Post will provide an update in due course.