Russian attack kills 8 civilians, including 2 children, near Kyiv: Ukraine

By Bahtiyar Abdulkerimov

KYIV, Ukraine (AA) - At least eight civilians, including two children, were killed in a Russian attack on Irpin, near the Ukrainian capital, an official said on Sunday.

Casualties occurred when Russian forces opened fire in the city, about 30 kilometers (10 miles) northwest of Kyiv, where clashes and evacuation of civilians were underway, said Irpin Mayor Alexander Markushin.

The city is partially under the control of Russian forces, but it has not surrendered yet and clashes continue, he added.

The evacuation of civilians will continue on Monday, the mayor said.

At least 364 civilians have been killed and 759 others injured in Ukraine since Russia launched a war in the Eastern European country on Feb. 24, according to UN figures, with the real toll feared to be higher.

More than 1.5 million people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries, according to the UN refugee agency.

Russia's war on Ukraine has been met by outrage from the international community with the EU, UK, and US, among others, implementing a range of economic sanctions on Moscow.