A Ukrainian policeman secures the perimeter as firefighters intervene at the scene where a Russian missile fragment fell near a residential building causing fire in the centre of the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on November 15, 2022. – The Ukrainian presidency said November 15, 2022 that the situation across the country was “critical” after a fresh wave of Russian missiles battered energy facilities, forcing emergency shutdowns and plunging parts of the capital into darkness. (Photo by Genya SAVILOV / AFP)
Kyrylo Tymoshenko, the Deputy Chairman of the Ukrainian President’s Office, posted a video of at least one five-story residential building on fire in Kyiv and said on Telegram that “Most hits were recorded in the center and north of the country”.
After having to seek shelter during his visit to Kyiv, Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra strongly condemned the strikes, saying: “Russia’s mass attack shows Putin’s willingness to resort to criminal methods.”
Hoekstra added that the strikes were “an enormous motivator to stay standing shoulder to shoulder” with Kyiv.
Canadian reporter Christian Borys wrote on Twitter: “Ukraine says Russia used 100 missiles today. This is terrorism meant to break the spirit of civilians by destroying access to electricity, water and heat.
“This isn’t war. At this point, any objection to supplying Ukraine with air defenses is not only immoral, it’s disgusting”.
The heavy attacks took place as world leaders gather in Bali for the G20 summit, with leaders in attendance vehemently denouncing the conflict in Ukraine.
Andriy Yermak, Director of the Ukrainian President’s Office, said: “Russia responds to Zelensky’s powerful speech at the G20 with a new missile attack. Does anyone seriously think that the Kremlin seriously wants peace?”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also strongly denounced the attack and expressed his support for Ukraine on social media.
“Today, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues to wreak havoc on supply chains around the world, I joined @G20org leaders to discuss food and energy security,” he said. “I condemned Russia’s war and highlighted how Canada is stepping up to support people both at home and abroad.”
Vitali Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv, contended that emergency shutdowns had been confirmed in Ukraine as a result of what he called a “massive missile attack”.
“This is a necessary step to balance the power system and avoid equipment accidents,” he said, noting that, as a result, at least half of Kyiv was without power.
Russian missiles also struck Kharkiv and Lyiv, with both experiencing blackouts after surrounding energy infrastructure was targeted.
A resident of Lyiv named Dimko Zhluktenko made a statement close to the location of the missile strikes, describing his experience of the situation. “I have no electricity in Lviv,” he said. “Definitely some of the missiles were intercepted. I have heard it clearly.”
Meanwhile, the governor of Kharkiv confirmed that energy and electricity is currently unavailable in his city after key energy infrastructure was hit.
