AT least one person has been killed after multiple missiles pounded Kyiv – hitting a hotel and homes.
Terrified residents were urged to take cover as explosions and air raid sirens rang out across the Ukrainian capital.
The city's mayor Vitali Klitschko said the Solomyansk, Pecherskand Holosiivsk districts were hit.
He also confirmed at least one person has died and several others have been hurt.
Klitschko wrote on Telegram: "There is destruction. Rescuers and medics follow to the places."
Ten explosions were heard in the centre of Kyiv soon after Ukrainian officials warned of another large-scale missile attack by Moscow on Ukraine.
More on Ukraine
Ukrainian soldiers learn trench warfare in UK in readiness to repel Putin
Russia denies claims of torture in Kyiv as Putin plots alliance with China
Shocking pictures reveal the aftermath of the strikes, with part of the Hotel Alfavito destroyed and debris strewn across the street.
The governor of the surrounding Kyiv region, Oleksiy Kuleba, warned shortly beforehand of a possible incoming missile attack, and said air defences in the region were engaging targets.
He wrote on Telegram after several explosions shook the capital: "The terrorist country launched several waves of missiles. They are wishing us a happy New Year. But we will persevere."
It comes after Russia pounded Ukraine with at least 120 missiles on Thursday in one of the biggest bombardments of the war so far.
Most read in The Sun
Hairdresser mum, 53, charged as husband stabbed to death days after family Xmas
Abbey Clancy cruelly mum-shamed after she posts pic of daughter, 11, on holiday
Stacey Solomon reveals exact date she's giving birth as she shows off bump
I’m size 12-14 and went to get some trousers in M&S – it was a disaster
Waves of rockets fired from the sea and the air targeted major cities including Kyiv, Kharkiv in the east and Lviv and Odesa in the west.
Explosions were heard across the country, and at least three people were reported wounded in Kyiv including a girl of 14.
Photos showed the burning wrecks of private houses in the Darnitsa district of the capital today.
Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of the President's Office, said: "This is what Russia's New Year terror looks like."
Victims were rushed to hospital after homes were hit by debris from one of 16 missiles downed over Kyiv, said mayor Vitaliy Klitschko.
Vladimir Putin has turned to terrorising civilians with missile strikes after humiliating setbacks on the battlefield.
Many have targeted energy and water networks, hoping to freeze Ukrainians during the harsh winter.
On Wednesday, desperate families were forced to flee newly liberated Kherson after ruthless shelling by Russian troops.
Read More on The Sun
Woman horrified after Botox goes wrong & leaves her looking like an Angry Bird
Thousands of families can claim free cash NOW worth up to £90
Huge queues formed at checkpoints as hundreds of Ukrainians desperately tried to make it to safety.
Source: Read Full Article