Several explosions heard in Ukraine’s capital

By Talha Yavuz

KYIV, Ukraine (AA) – Ukraine’s capital Kyiv was rocked by several explosions early Friday on the second day of Russia’s military intervention in the country.

The series of blasts were heard at 4.20 am local time (0220GMT).

On Thursday, similar explosions occurred in the cities of Kharkov, Kramatorsk, Mariupol, Mykolaiv and the port city of Odessa, as well as in the capital Kyiv, all under attack by Russian forces.

Amid the explosions in Kyiv, sirens were heard throughout the city warning the public to seek shelter from Russia’s long-feared intervention.

While some civilians tried to leave the city, others took shelter in subway stations and basements.

Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine was announced early Thursday by President Vladimir Putin, and on the first day of the operation, more than 130 people including civilians were killed, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.