02 Jan 2024 | 08:48 AM UTC
Ukraine: Russian missile and drone strikes reported in Kyiv and other major cities, Jan. 2
Missile and drone strikes and explosions reported in Kyiv and other major cities in Ukraine, Jan. 2. Casualties reported.
Reports indicate that Russia launched airstrikes against Kyiv and other major cities early on Jan. 2. Local authorities confirm that at least one person died in the attacks in Kyiv, and over 60 injured are reported in Kyiv and Kharkiv, including 20 people in Kyiv's Solomianskyi district. Emergency personnel are responding to the incidents.
Russian forces have conducted three mass missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian targets in recent days. On Dec. 29, Russian forces attacked Kyiv as well as Dnipro, Lviv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and Zaporizhzhia. Over 40 people were killed and over 160 people injured from these strikes. Overnight Dec. 31-Jan. 1, further Russian strikes again targeted Kyiv and other cities.
Further strikes are highly likely over the coming days. The recent increased intensity of attacks and the consequent engagements by self-defense missile systems will likely cause debris and further damage. Airstrikes typically target energy and infrastructure facilities; electricity and water supply interruptions are likely. Heightened security will be deployed, and travel and business disruptions are likely to continue.
Avoid travel to active conflict zones in Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions of Ukraine; consider leaving these areas by available ground transport if safe to do so. Exercise extreme caution if operating anywhere in Ukraine. Shelter in place if there is fighting or airstrikes in the area. Stay away from windows and exterior walls if officials report incoming rocket or artillery fire. Follow the instructions of local security personnel, especially when instructed to seek refuge in air raid shelters. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations. Due to the threat of unexploded ordnance, avoid off-road travel. Travel on well-used routes only. Do not approach suspected unexploded ordnance. In areas previously occupied by Russian forces, be aware of booby traps.
