Russia Steps Up Long-range Strikes, Sirens Sound In Kyiv

The firing of a Kalibr cruise missile from a Russian submarine. (Source: Russian Ministry of Defense via TASS)

JAKARTA - Air raid sirens sounded in the capital Kiev on Saturday as Russia stepped up long-range attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Russian attacks in the past three days have killed at least 34 people and injured many others.

On Friday evening, Russian missiles hit the central city of Dnipro, killing three people and wounding 15, Governor Valentyn Reznychenko said on Telegram.

Rocket attacks hit a factory and a nearby road, he said.

Video footage on social media showed thick black smoke billowing from burning buildings and cars.

Eight people were killed and 13 others injured in a series of rocket attacks at 10 locations in Donetsk, eastern region, Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said on television.

Russia has repeatedly denied targeting civilians, although evidence suggests their missiles have hit residential areas across Ukraine.

The United Nations says thousands of civilians have been killed since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Tens of thousands of fighters also died.