Strong explosions at Kiev What is known so far

Sirens for air strikes have been heard all night in almost all Kiev districts, and residents have been instructed to go to the nearest shelters.

According to a local chairman, infrastructure in the Brovar area, on the outskirts of Kiev, has been damaged by air strikes.

Chairman Igor Saszhko did not provide more details about the victims or the material damage.

These reports come a day after Russian forces renewed air strikes in Kiev and intensified grants at Harkiv ʹ the second largest city in Ukraine a strategy that appears to be aimed at preventing Ukraine's defence from preparing for a full-scale attack by Russia to the east.

Harkiwi Chairman Ihor Terekhov said the grants have killed at least three people and injured 34 others on 16 April.

He instructed residents of this town, located northeast of Ukraine, who left earlier to not return, adding that “n cannot rule out the possibility of air strikes on capital”.

The Ukraine president's office reported that there have been air and grenade attacks in eight regions throughout the country in the past 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Moscow has claimed to have taken over the besieged city of Marioupolis after weeks of fighting.

Russia's Defence Ministry said 16 April that it has removed Ukrainian troops from urban areas, and the remaining fighters are surrounded at the Azovstal steel factory, Russian state media reported.

The Russian side has demanded that the remaining soldiers in Marioupol surrender.

In an interview published April 16th in Ukrayinska Pravda, Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky warned against atrocities against Ukrainian forces located in Mariupol.

The elimination of our troops, our people in Mariupol, would end any negotiations”, he said.

This will bring a blockade, as we do not negotiate either for our territories or for our people”, he added.

Marioupolis is the most hit by shelling and fighting since Russia began its unprotested invasion of Ukraine on February 24th. / REL