New Delhi: Ukrainian authorities on Friday reported explosions in at least three cities, saying Russia has launched a major missile attack” on energy facilities and infrastructure, as reported by news agency AP. Russian forces launched at least 60 missile strikes across Ukraine, officials said.


Thudding blasts and gunfire from air-defense systems echoed across the country as authorities on social media reported explosions and missile strikes in capital Kyiv, southern Kryvyi Rih, southeastern Zaporizhzhia, and northeastern Kharkiv, the AP reported.


Authorities sounded air raid alarms across the country warning of a new devastating barrage of Russian strikes that have occurred intermittently since mid-October.


As per AP, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said on Telegram that the city is without electricity. The strikes targeting energy infrastructure are a part of a new strategy from Russia in order to freeze Ukrainians into submission following several key battlefield losses by Russian forces in recent months.


At least two people were killed when a residential building was hit in central Ukraine, while electricity and water services were interrupted in the two largest cities, Kyiv and Kharkiv.


Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yurii Inhat told Ukrainian TV that more than 60 missiles had been fired, but it wasn’t immediately clear how many missiles the Ukrainian army managed to intercept. Some officials reported success in downing some incoming projectiles.


Ihnat said Russian forces had fired cruise missiles from positions in the Black Sea and used bomber aircraft as part of an effort to “massively distract the attention of the anti-aircraft defense, keeping it in tension,” AP reported.


European Union Agrees To Fresh Sanctions On Russia Over Ukraine War


European Union leaders concluded the last summit of 2022 and agreed to provide 18 billion euros in financing to Ukraine next year besides imposing more sanctions on Russia. The leaders, on Thursday also agreed to the ninth package of sanctions against Moscow to blacklist nearly 200 other people besides banning investment in Russia's mining industry, among others, reported news agency Reuters.


The fresh round of sanctions on Russia comes amid complaints from hawkish eastern European leaders that some countries were trying to water them down.


The agreements were reached on the sidelines of a leaders’ summit in Brussels and the sanctions would be formally confirmed on Friday.


More On It: European Union Agrees To Fresh Sanctions On Russia Over Ukraine War


(With agencies' Inputs)