Ukraine news latest: Almost HALF of Kyiv left without power as ‘waves’ of devastating Russian air strikes blitz country
RUSSIA has launched missile strikes on multiple regions of Ukraine today - leaving nearly an entire city without power.
Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to , said launched over 120 missiles as the Kremlin steps up air raids in its
Russia dispatched explosive drones to selected regions overnight before broadening the barrage with air and sea-based cruise missiles launched from strategic aircraft.
But Lviv suffered most from the attacks, with a mass outage leaving 90% of the city without power - with the city's mayor also warning the water supply could possibly be interrupted.
The widespread attack was the latest in a series of Russian strikes targeting vital infrastructure across .
Read our Ukraine-Russia live blog for the latest news...
This live blog has now closed
This Ukraine-Russia live coverage feed has now closed.
But you can stay up to date with all of the latest news from the war in Ukraine by following our new blog.
Zelensky releases 10-point plan for peace amid further Russian attacks
Ukraine’s President Zelensky has released a so-called 10-point plan for peace.
As reported by Reuters, the plan calls for:
1. Radiation and nuclear safety, focusing on restoring safety around Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine, which is now-Russian occupied.
2. Food security, including protecting and ensuring Ukraine’s grain exports to the world’s poorest nations.
3. Energy security, with focus on price restrictions on Russian energy resources, as well as aiding Ukraine with restoring its power infrastructure, half of which has been damaged by Russian attacks.
4. Release of all prisoners and deportees, including war prisoners and children deported to Russia.
5. Restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity and Russia reaffirming it according the U.N. Charter, which Zelenskiy said is “not up to negotiations”.
6. Withdrawal of Russian troops and cessation of hostilities, restoration of Ukraine’s state borders with Russia.
7. Justice, including the establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute Russian war crimes.
8. Prevention of ecocide, need for protection of environment, with focus on demining and restoring water treatment facilities.
9. Prevention of escalation of conflict, and building security architecture in the Euro-Atlantic space, including guarantees for Ukraine.
10. Confirmation of the war’s end, including a document signed by the involved parties.
Ukrainian man sentenced to 11 years in prison for colluding with Russia
Ukraine’s government has sentenced a man to 11 years in prison for leaking information to Russian soldiers.
The man reportedly shared the locations of bomb shelters and the positions of Ukrainian troops with the Kremlin’s forces.
The crime took place in Kramatorsk, Donetsk, and could have led to missile strikes in the region.
Over 700 objects of critical infrastructure destroyed since invasion began
Since Putin launched his brutal invasion in February, over 700 pieces of crucial infrastructure have been destroyed.
“We are talking about gas pipelines, substations, bridges and the like,” Ukrainian Deputy Interior Minister Yevgeny Yenin said in a television address.
Russia has consistently attacked civilian infrastructure throughout the winter, in a bid to cut Ukraine off from electricity and water.
On Tuesday alone, Kherson was hit over 50 times by Russian shelling, destroying a maternity ward.
Total Russian losses so far
The Ukrainian ministry of defence posted an updated list of Russian battlefield losses this morning.
Defense of Ukraine tweeted: "'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.' Romans, 12:19."
"Total combat losses of the enemy from Feb 24 to Dec 29:"
'Russia wants subjugation of Ukraine’
British ambassador to Ukraine Melinda Simmons took to social media to rubbish Russia’s claims it wants an end to the war with Ukraine.
Simmons tweeted: "Missiles launched across [Ukraine flag emoji] including Kyiv and Lviv. Civilians injured.
"[Russian flag emoji] rejects @ZelenskyyUa peace plan.
"Russia does not want peace with Ukraine.
"Russia wants the subjugation of Ukraine."
Ukrainian missile reportedly lands in Belarus
A missile used by Ukraine – the S-300, a Soviet-era weapon both Russia and Ukraine have in their armouries – has reportedly landed in Belarus, according to state-run news agency BeITA.
Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko asked specialists to investigate, local reports claim.
Ukraine is yet to comment on the incident.
Belarusian journalist Hanna Liubakova tweeted: "#Belarus Officially confirmed: this morning, a S-300 complex missile fell down in Belarus.
"Lukashenka instructed to create a group of specialists to investigate the incident.
"There are no casualties.
"Propaganda immediately blamed Ukrainians for this."
MoD’s latest intelligence update
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) released its latest intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine this morning.
MoD tweeted: “In the early hours of 26 December 2022, Russia’s Engels Air Base was attacked for the second time in three weeks.
“Russian media reported that uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) were responsible for the strike on the facility, one of the main operating bases of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet.
“Russia has long given a very high priority to maintaining advanced ground based air defences, but it is increasingly clear that it is struggling to counter air threats deep inside Russia.
“One challenge for Russia is probably the exceptional demand on its fleet of modern, medium-range air defence systems, such as SA-22 Pantsir, which would typically be expected to take a major role in countering UAVs.
“As well as providing point defence for strategic sites such as Engels, these systems are currently required in large number to protect field headquarters near the front line in Ukraine.”
Two injured in Russian strike on Kherson hospital
Two people were injured in Russian attack on medical facility in recently-liberated city of Kherson, according to deputy head of the president’s office Kyrylo Tymoshenko.
Tymoshenko said: "Medical facilities are under fire almost every day.
“The other day it was a maternity hospital. Today, as a result of Russian shelling of the city, the regional cardiology dispensary was damaged.
"Two people were injured – a security guard and an employee of the boiler house.
“The roof, windows and facade of one of the buildings were destroyed in the building."
Putin and Xi to speak tomorrow
Vladimir Putin and president Xi Jinping of China will speak via video link on Friday, a Kremlin spokesperson announced today.
Dmitry Peskov told reporters: “First of all, they will talk about bilateral Russian-Chinese relations.
"And, of course, it will be very important to exchange views on more acute regional problems - those that are closer to us, Russia, and those that are closer to China."
Peskov did not provide specific details about which problems the two presidents would be discussing.
Credit: Reuters Targeting medical institutions a ‘strategy of Moscow’
Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko accused Russia of deliberately targeting civilian medical facilities, following strike on Kherson medical centre this morning.
Vasylenko tweeted: "Cardiology department in #Kherson hit.
"#Russia army targets medical institutions in the region.
"Targeting the most vulnerable civilian groups is a strategy of #Moscow."
Russian invasion 'at a dead end'
Head of the Ukrainian military intelligence agency Kyrylo Budanov claimed fighting in Ukraine reached a stalemate because substantial advances cannot be made by either side.
Budanov told the BBC: "The situation is just stuck."
"It doesn't move."
He also said Russia is "completely at a dead end".
"We can't defeat them in all directions comprehensively. Neither can they.”
Budanov added: "We're very much looking forward to new weapons supplies, and to the arrival of more advanced weapons."
54 of 69 Russian missiles shot down
Ukrainian air defence systems shot down 54 out of 69 Russian missiles this morning, according to the Ukrainian Army.
General Valeriy Zaluzhny, Ukraine's commander-in-chief, said: "According to preliminary data, 69 missiles were launched in total.
"Fifty-four enemy cruise missiles were shot down."
This latest update comes after Presidential aide Mykhaylo Podolyak said more than 120 missiles had been fired earlier this morning.
Credit: Getty Defiant message released by Ukraine following missile attack
The Ukrainian ministry of defence released a powerful statement following this morning’s bombardment by Russia.
Defense of Ukraine tweeted: "Russian terrorists have been saving one of the most massive missile attacks since the beginning of the full-scale invasion for the last days of the year.
"They dream that Ukrainians will celebrate the New Year in darkness and cold.
"But they cannot defeat the Ukrainian people."
In pictures: Russian missiles intercepted
Pictures below show Russian missiles being intercepted by Ukrainian air defence systems.
Over 120 missiles were fired into the Ukrainian capital this morning, according to reports.
16 missiles fired into Kyiv were reportedly shot down.
Credit: Getty 
Credit: Getty
In pictures: Ukrainians take shelter from Russian missiles
Photos below show Ukrainian civilians taking shelter from Russia’s latest missile attack on Kyiv in a subway station.
Over 120 missiles were fired into Ukraine in the bombardment.
Vitali Klitschko, mayor of Kyiv, said three people were injured, including a 14-year-old girl.
Credit: Reuters 
Credit: Reuters 40% of people in Kyiv without electricity
Following this morning’s Russian missile attack on the Ukrainian capital, 40 per cent of residents are without electricity.
Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko posted on Telegram: "40% of the capital’s consumers are without electricity after the missile attack. In connection with the necessary safety measures used by power workers during an air alert.
"Power engineers are currently working on restoring the power supply.
"The city supplies heat and water as usual. In addition to houses where there is no energy supply, on which the operation of boiler rooms depends."
Credit: Reuters Photos published of bombardment aftermath
Deputy head of the president's office Kyrylo Tymoshenko released photos of the aftermath of Russian strikes on Kyiv.
Russia reportedly fired over 120 missiles into the Ukrainian capital this morning.
The Kyiv Independent tweeted: "These photos published by Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of the President's Office, show the aftermath of the Russian missile strikes at Kyiv on the morning of Dec. 29, launched during its 8th large-scale attack against Ukraine."
Over 120 missiles fired into Ukraine
A new wave of Russian missile attacks has pounded Ukraine this morning, with over a hundred reportedly fired.
Mykhailo Podolyak, presidential adviser, claimed more than 120 missiles had been launched in total.
Air defences in Odesa and Mykolaiv were successful in intercepting some of the barrage, according to reports.
Vitali Klitschko, mayor of Kyiv, said three people were injured in the capital, including a 14-year-old girl.
At least three injured in Kyiv after early morning strikes
The latest wave of Russian air strikes on Ukraine has left at least three people injured in the capital Kyiv, the city's mayor said on Thursday.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on social media: "For the moment, there are three wounded in Kyiv, including a 14-year-old girl.
"They are all in hospital."
Blast heard in Ukraine's Kyiv amid Russian missile strike
A blast was heard in the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv on Thursday morning, a Reuters correspondent reported, as authorities reported a fresh Russian missile strike.
Presidential office adviser Oleksiy Arestovych wrote on Facebook that over 100 missiles were incoming in several waves and air raid alarms could be heard across the country.
Most of Lviv city without power after strikes says mayor
Ukraine's city of Lviv was left without electricity after fresh Russian missile strikes on Thursday morning, the city's mayor said.
"Ninety percent of the city is without electricity," Andriy Sadoviy said on social media, also warning of potential water cuts.
"We are waiting for more information from energy experts.
"Trams and trolleybuses are not running in the city."
Zelensky thanks the Prime Minister of Italy for her support
President Zelensky on Tuesday thanked Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Italy for their solidarity and support for Ukraine.
Taking to Twitter, Zelensky wrote: ”Thanked @GiorgiaMeloni for solidarity and comprehensive support for Ukraine.
”Commended Italy’s government’s allocation of additional €10 million in aid. Mrs. Meloni informed that the issue of providing air defense systems to protect Ukraine skies is being considered. We discussed #PeaceFormula.”
Over 100 missiles fired at Ukraine in 'several waves'
A blast was heard in the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv on Thursday morning, a Reuters correspondent reported, as authorities reported a fresh Russian missile strike.
Presidential office adviser Oleksiy Arestovych wrote on Facebook that over 100 missiles were incoming in several waves and air raid alarms could be heard across the country.
Ukraine reports 'massive missile strikes' across the country
Ukraine was hit with "massive" Russian missile strikes across the country on Thursday, including in the capital Kyiv, the military said.
"December 29. Massive missiles attack... The enemy is attacking Ukraine from various directions with air and sea-based cruise missiles from strategic aircraft and ships," Ukraine's air force said on social media.