Rescuers work at a site damaged during a Russian missile strike in Kyiv
(Picture: REUTERS)Russia launched sixteen kamikaze drones on Ukraine in a fresh wave of overnight attacks on its critical infrastructure.
The Ukrainian Air Force said that all drones had been destroyed by its air defences.
Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram that seven drones had been aimed at the capital, and that five were destroyed within the city and two before reaching Kyiv.
It came as Russia unleashed a barrage on Ukraine’s cities and vital infrastructure on Thursday with scores of missiles and kamikaze drones
There was no immediate word on nationwide casualties, but at least three people, including a girl of 14, were taken to hospital.
It was initially claimed more than 120 missiles were launched from land and sea. But Ukraine’s military downgraded that to at least 69 rockets plus drones.
It said air defences intercepted 54 of the weapons during the five hour raid. But those that got through caused huge damage.
Ukrainian presidential adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, said Moscow was trying to destroy infrastructure and "kill civilians en masse". Ninety per cent of Lviv was without power, and Kyiv warned of fresh electricity and water cuts.
Meanwhile, Russia has rejected a Ukrainian peace plan, saying Kyiv must accept Moscow’s annexation of four regions.
Putin’s foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, told state TV he was convinced Moscow would achieve its "noble goals" in Ukraine, thanks to its "patience" and "perseverance".
