Kiev, 2 January 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Russia used several Kinzhal hypersonic missiles to attack the Ukrainian capital Kiev on Tuesday as its residents were hit with a heavy barrage in the latest Russian onslaught, the Ukrainian air force said.

At least 16 people were injured in a tower block when a rocket caused a fire, Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko wrote on Telegram. Fifteen of these were hospitalized, he said. He reported numerous other victims from various missile hits, including an elderly woman who had died.

Loud explosions could be heard in the city of millions, according to reports from residents There were power outages in several neighbourhoods.

Civil infrastructure facilities were hit and a gas pipeline was damaged. Problems with the water supply were also reported.

Airstrikes were also reported in other parts of the country. According to initial reports from the authorities, one person was killed in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv and more than 20 people were injured.

Russia has intensified its bombardment of Ukraine over recent nights. Moscow's war against its neighbour has been going on for almost two years.

In Poland, the air strikes against neighbouring Ukraine have been closely monitored. Two F-16 fighter jets each from the Polish and US air forces have taken to the skies for safety reasons, commanders announced on the X social media platform.

Unlike Ukraine, Poland is a member of both NATO and the European Union.

According to the Polish General Staff, a Russian missile entered Polish airspace on Friday for three minutes before leaving it again in the direction of Ukraine.

MIA file photo