4 hours ago
Pictures show the aftermath of the attacks on Kiev and Kharkiv
Pictures show destruction in the Ukrainian capital Kiev and Kharkiv in the northeast of the country after Russian attacks on the cities.
Ukrainian rescuers carry a wounded woman from a damaged residential building in central Kharkiv after a rocket attack on January 2, 2024, during Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Sergey Bobok | Afp | Getty Images
Smoke rises from a residential building damaged by a blast wave after a Russian missile attack on January 2, 2024 in Kiev, Ukraine.
Oleksandr Gusev | Global Images Ukraine | Getty Images
Firefighters work on a ladder at a residential building damaged by Russian shelling on January 2, 2024 in Kiev, Ukraine.
Roman Petushkov | Global Images Ukraine | Getty Images
People stand amid destroyed cars in the courtyard of a residential building damaged by Russian shelling on January 2, 2024 in Kiev, Ukraine.
Roman Petushkov | Global Images Ukraine | Getty Images
Firefighters evacuate a disabled man from a destroyed multi-story building after a rocket attack in central Kiev on January 2, 2024, during Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Anatolii Stepanov | Afp | Getty Images
Firefighters conduct an operation in a burning building after a massive rocket attack by Russian forces on the morning of January 2, 2024.
Danylo Antoniuk | Anadolu | Getty Images
6 hours ago
Strikes in Kiev and Kharkiv bring death toll to 5
Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko (r) inspects a multi-story residential building destroyed by a rocket attack in central Kiev on January 2, 2024, during Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Genya Savilov | Afp | Getty Images
The death toll has risen to five after Russian attacks on the cities of Kiev and Kharkiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday.
According to current information, two people were killed and 49 injured in attacks on Kiev. Two more people died and 16 were injured in the Kiev area. One person was killed and 47 injured in Kharkiv, northeastern Ukraine. Zelensky said Russia would be held “responsible for every life killed.”
Utility workers stand in the yard of a damaged residential building after a Russian missile attack on January 2, 2024 in Kharkiv, Ukraine.
Oleh Arkhanhorodsky | Global Images Ukraine | Getty Images
He said nearly 100 missiles of different types were used in the attacks, 70 of which were shot down by Ukraine's air defense systems. “'Patriots', 'Iris', 'NASAMS' – each of these systems has already saved at least hundreds of lives,” Zelensky said.
– Holly Ellyatt
8 hours ago
A Russian official claims Ukraine has tried to attack Belgorod again
The governor of Russia's Belgorod region said on Tuesday that Ukraine had again attempted to attack the city of the same name.
Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said Russian air defenses shot down five Ukrainian missiles as they approached the city. “The operational services are clarifying information about the consequences on site,” he said in Telegram.
“According to preliminary information, there is one victim – a woman has a laceration on her left hand. She was examined by emergency doctors and refused hospitalization,” Gladkow said. He added that a shop and several cars were damaged by shrapnel. In the Belgorod region, a car was damaged by shrapnel in the village of Belovskoye.
CNBC was unable to verify the information. If true, the recent attempted attack on Belgorod would increase attacks between Ukraine and Russia around the New Year.
BELGOROD, RUSSIA – DECEMBER 31: People laid flowers, toys and candles at the site of the attack in Belgorod yesterday to commemorate the victims of the attack in Belgorod, Russia on December 31, 2023. At least 24 dead and 108 injured, said Russian governor Vyacheslav Gladkov in the Belgorod region in a statement on the Telegram channel. (Photo by Emil Leegunov/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty Images
Ukraine attacked Belgorod on Saturday in retaliation for a massive missile and drone attack by Russia on Ukraine last Friday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed on Monday to step up attacks on Ukraine following the attack in Belgorod that left 25 people dead, including five children, and more than 100 injured. Ukraine has not publicly commented on the attack and both Moscow and Kiev deny that it was an attack on civilians.
On Tuesday, Ukraine's largest cities, Kiev and Kharkiv, were attacked by Russia with drones and missiles, leaving four people dead and dozens injured.
– Holly Ellyatt
9 hours ago
Poland says the threat of Russian attacks has decreased and planes have returned to base
Poland said planes protecting its airspace after recent Russian attacks on Ukraine had returned to base.
After the recent attack on Ukraine, in which Kiev and Kharkiv were attacked, Poland deployed two pairs of F-16 fighter jets and an allied tanker.
The Polish army operations command announced that the aircraft had now returned to the base “due to the reduced threat situation”.
“The use of Polish and allied aircraft in our airspace has been stopped. The released resources returned to their bases and normal operational activities,” the task force said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Poland has been on high alert since last Friday after a Russian missile entered Polish airspace for almost three minutes before re-entering Ukrainian airspace. Poland said on Tuesday that it was continually monitoring the situation in Ukraine and “remains in constant readiness to ensure the security of Polish airspace.”
—Portal
9 hours ago
Ukraine is pushing for faster deliveries of air defense, combat drones and long-range missiles
Ukraine's foreign minister called for faster delivery of air defense systems, combat drones and long-range missiles, the ministry said on Tuesday.
A statement said Dmytro Kuleba called on Ukraine's Western partners to respond to a new Russian attack on Ukraine by “accelerating the delivery of additional air defense systems, combat drones of all types and long-range missiles with a range of over 300 km.” .”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba attends a joint press conference with Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot (not pictured) amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, December 5, 2023, in Kiev, Ukraine.
Alina Smutko | Portal
He also called on partners to “take a decision to transfer frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s needs and to end contacts with Russian diplomats in relevant capitals and international organizations.”
—Portal
9 hours ago
Ukraine says it shot down 72 Russian missiles of different types in recent attacks
Firefighters extinguish a fire in a multi-story building destroyed by a rocket attack in central Kiev on January 2, 2024, during Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Anatolii Stepanov | Afp | Getty Images
Ukrainian military officials said air defenses shot down 72 Russian missiles that had attacked the country on Tuesday.
The Ukrainian Air Force and Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Valery Zaluzhny said 10 Kinzhal missiles, 59 cruise missiles and three Kalibr were destroyed in the strikes, in which Kiev and Kharkiv were main targets.
The Ukrainian air force said Tuesday's attack was as intense as Russia's “massive” attack on Ukraine last Friday, which was described as Russia's largest airstrike of the war. At least 31 civilians died and over 160 others were injured in the attacks, which damaged infrastructure across the country.
Military personnel stand in a crater made of Russian missile debris in Kiev, Ukraine, Jan. 2, 2024.
Global Images Ukraine | Global Images Ukraine | Getty Images
On Tuesday, the Ukrainian Air Force said on Telegram that “critical infrastructure, industrial, civilian and military facilities were attacked. The main direction of the attack is the capital of Ukraine.”
“In the first wave they attacked with ‘Shaheds’.” [Iranian drones] from the southeast, with further movement in various regions of Ukraine. “All 35 attack drones “Shahed-136/131” were destroyed by air defense,” it said.
The Air Force said Russia also launched 16 Tu-95MS bombers around 6 a.m. local time, firing “at least 70 Kh-101/Kh-555/Kh-55 air-launched cruise missiles.”
A fire in a high-rise building after a Russian missile attack on January 2, 2024 in Kiev, Ukraine.
Yan Dobronosov | Global Images Ukraine | Getty Images
At around 7:30 a.m. local time, the firing of ten Kh-47M2 “Kinzhal” hypersonic missiles from MiG-31K fighters was recorded, the Air Force said.
“The enemy also attacked from the sea with three Kalibr cruise missiles and from the north with twelve Iskander-M/S-300/S-400 ballistic missiles.” According to preliminary information, Russia had deployed a total of 99 missiles of various types. CNBC could not immediately verify the information.
– Holly Ellyatt
10 hours ago
Zelensky comments on recent attacks and losses
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the recent series of attacks on Kiev and Kharkiv and said that 92 people had now been injured in the attacks. Four people died, he said.
“More than 500 rescuers from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, utility services, energy workers and police officers” are working to alleviate the consequences of the attacks, he said on Telegram.
Drone shot of a damaged building in central Kyiv as emergency services provide assistance to victims and extinguish the fire on January 2, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Kostiantyn Liberov | Getty Images
Since December 31, Russian forces have deployed around 170 “Shaheds” drones (Iranian-made) and dozens of missiles of various types, Zelensky said, adding that “the absolute majority of them were aimed at civilian objects.”
The president noted that Ukraine's air defense systems, such as the Patriot system donated by the United States, helped save hundreds of lives.
“This year, we will continue to work with everyone around the world who cares about life to further strengthen our air shield and hold Russia accountable for its actions. A terrorist state must feel the consequences of its actions,” Zelensky said.
– Holly Ellyatt
11 hours ago
One dead and 44 injured in attack in Kharkiv, officials say
Utility workers stand in the yard of a damaged residential building after a Russian missile attack on January 2, 2024 in Kharkiv, Ukraine.
Oleh Arkhanhorodsky | Global Images Ukraine | Getty Images
A Russian missile attack on the northeastern city of Kharkiv has killed one person and wounded 44 others, a regional official said on Tuesday.
“A 91-year-old woman died as a result of enemy rocket attacks on the center of Kharkiv,” Oleh Syniehubov, head of the military administration of Kharkiv Oblast, said on Telegram.
“There are currently 44 known victims. There are 5 children: 3 boys aged 9; Girls aged 6 and 13. The injured children have blast injuries, bruises and acubar trauma [contusions]acute reactions to stress,” he said.
Of the 44 injured, 28 are in hospital.
– Holly Ellyatt
11 hours ago
Kharkiv under attack by 'massive rocket attack', mayor says
On January 2, 2023, a yard is damaged by shelling in Kharkiv, Ukraine. On the morning of January 2nd, Russia hit Kharkiv with Kinzhal rockets.
Pavlo Pakhomenko | Photo only | Getty Images
Kharkiv, in northeastern Ukraine, was subjected to a “massive rocket attack” on Tuesday, the city's mayor warned, urging civilians to stay in bomb shelters.
“There are several entrances [of missiles] in the center of Kharkiv, in residential areas. There is now a fire there and rescuers are on site. “Information about the victims is currently being clarified,” Igor Terekhov said in Telegram.
“We have information that needs to be clarified on 41 [people] wounded. There is also information about the dead – their number is being clarified,” he said.
Firefighters battle fires and people seek refuge in Kharkiv following a massive Russian attack on areas across Ukraine on December 30, 2023.
Photo only | Photo only | Getty Images
He noted that Russia previously attacked Kharkiv with its next-generation Kinzhal (or “Dagger”) hypersonic missiles, but it was not confirmed whether those missiles were used in the latest attack. Officials in Kiev said Kinzhal rockets had previously been fired at the capital. CNBC was unable to immediately verify the claims.
– Holly Ellyatt
11 hours ago
The latest attack on Kiev comes after Russia's Putin vowed to avenge Belgorod
The latest rocket attacks on Kiev and other Ukrainian cities, including Kharkiv, in the early hours of the morning come after Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to step up Russian attacks on Ukraine following an attack on the border town of Belgorod.
Speaking to Russian military personnel at a hospital on Monday, Putin said Russian forces would step up attacks on military targets in Ukraine after an attack on the Russian city of Belgorod on Saturday reportedly killed 25 people and injured more than 100 had been.
Russian President Vladimir Putin leaves the Eurasian Economic Union Summit on December 25, 2023 in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Contributor | Getty Images News | Getty Images
Putin described the attack on Belgorod as a terrorist attack and targeted attacks on civilians. He said Russia was already retaliating and said “attacks against Ukrainian military targets were carried out yesterday, today and tomorrow,” according to comments translated by NBC News.
“Do you understand the meaning of what they are saying?” [Ukraine] are there? They want to intimidate us and create a kind of insecurity in our country. Of course, we will intensify the strikes I mentioned. Not a single crime – and of course this is a crime against the civilian population – will go unpunished, 100% of the time. “There can be no doubt,” Putin said.
Putin added that he was angry about the attack in Belgorod, saying he was “seething inside” after the attack and stressed that Russia would not strike at Ukraine's civilian population in response.
The Ukrainian capital Kiev was attacked early Tuesday morning, injuring at least 16 civilians.
– Holly Ellyatt
12 hours ago
At least 16 injured in Russian rocket attack on Kiev
Firefighters evacuate a disabled person from a destroyed multi-story building after a rocket attack in central Kiev on January 2, 2024, during Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Anatolii Stepanov | AFP | Getty Images
At least 16 people were injured in Russian rocket attacks in Kiev on Tuesday morning, the city's mayor said.
“So far, 16 people have been injured in a multi-story building in Solomyan district that caught fire as a result of a rocket attack. Doctors have hospitalized 15 of them,” Klitschko said, warning that there had been several fires caused by destroyed buildings and rocket debris in several other city districts.
– Holly Ellyatt
12 hours ago
Poland says F-16s are protecting its airspace during Russian attacks on Ukraine
RADOM, POLAND – AUGUST 26: F-16 performs during the air show in Radom, Poland, August 26, 2023. The largest air show in Poland lasts two days and is taking place for the first time after a five-year break. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty Images
Poland said on Tuesday that two pairs of F-16 fighter jets and an allied air tanker were deployed to protect Polish airspace during Russian attacks on Ukraine.
—Portal
12 hours ago
Explosions and rocket debris were reported in Kiev, officials said
Air raid warnings continue to be issued in Kiev on Tuesday. Officials warn that explosions and Russian missile debris have been reported in several areas of the Ukrainian capital.
“Explosions in the capital. In particular, in the Holosiivskyi district, a fragment of a rocket fell on the open area of the park. There are explosions in the Obolon district,” Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram early Tuesday.
Power supply to some residential buildings in several districts of the capital was disrupted, he added.
The Ukrainian Air Force previously warned of incoming Russian missiles toward Kiev, noting on Tuesday in Telegram that “repeated launches” of Russia's Kh-47M2 Kinzhal, or “Dagger,” hypersonic air-launched missiles were “possible.”
The fragments of Russian missiles destroyed by Ukrainian air defense landed in four districts of the capital, the military administration of the city of Kiev said on Telegram.
A building materials warehouse destroyed by a Russian missile attack in Kiev, Ukraine on December 30, 2023.
Global Images Ukraine | Global Images Ukraine | Getty Images
At least 29 people were killed in Russia's latest major attack on Kiev last Friday, the KCMA confirmed on Monday.
“For three days in a row, rescuers are conducting a search and rescue operation after an air strike on Kiev. Unfortunately, bodies of those killed by Russian missiles are still being found. As of today, 10:30 p.m., 29 dead have been found,” the KCMA said on Telegram.
The government said it was the “worst tragedy for the capital since the full-scale invasion began” in terms of the number of victims.
Ukraine responded on Saturday with an attack on the Russian border town of Belgorod, killing at least 25 people and wounding more than 100.
– Holly Ellyatt