Kiev: Russia on Tuesday launched missile and drone attacks targeting several areas, including the Ukrainian capital Kiev. The Ukrainian air force reported a ballistic missile threat at 3 am, minutes after which at least two explosions were heard in Kiev. Another missile alert was issued at 8 am, followed by at least one explosion in the city. Local authorities said missile debris fell in the capital's Darnytskyi district, but there were no reports of casualties or damage. 

power supply disrupted

Officials in the Sumy region in the northeast reported strikes near the town of Shostka. Sumy Mayor Mykola Noha said 12 residential buildings as well as two educational campuses were damaged. The air force also reported missile and drone attacks targeting several other regions of Ukraine. About half of Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been destroyed during the war and there have been massive power outages. Ukraine's Western allies have provided it with air defense systems to protect its vital infrastructure. But Russia has tried to destroy its air defenses through combined attacks with large numbers of missiles and drones. 

Russia shoots down Ukrainian drone

Russia's Defense Ministry said its air defense system shot down 68 Ukrainian drones over several areas on Tuesday morning. Vasily Anokhin, the head of the Smolensk region in western Russia, said fragments of the drones fell in the area of ​​an oil depot, causing a fire. 

America is giving weapons

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has announced that his country will send additional weapons worth about US$2.5 billion to Ukraine. Biden said his administration is working quickly to spend the money it has to help Ukraine fight Russia before Donald Trump takes office as president. (AP)