Explosions heard in and around Ukraine's capital

By Hasan Esen

KYIV, Ukraine (AA) - Explosions were heard in and around Ukraine’s capital Kyiv early Wednesday.

Following a warning by the Russian Defense Ministry to Ukrainian intelligence that Russia would attack parts of Kyiv, large explosions were heard in the city in the evening. Ukrainian officials did not disclose the locations that were targeted.

Meanwhile, sandbags were being piled in Independence Square in the city center and barricades made of metal, wood and old automobile tires were erected.

In the capital, which is quiet even outside of curfew hours, people mostly went out for shopping. Members of the Regional Defense Forces, made up of civilians, also stood guard at checkpoints.

Russia's attacks on Ukraine's second largest city, Kharkiv, also continued. At least 10 people were killed and 35 injured in the rocket attacks carried out by Russian forces on the city yesterday.

An adviser to Ukrainian Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko said on his Telegram channel that the tank school in the city was hit in the evening.

Slovenia’s consulate in Kharkiv was also struck Tuesday

“The Consulate of the Republic of Slovenia in Kharkiv was destroyed by a Russian rocket attack today. The Honorary Consul is safe. This horrific act will not remain without consequences,” the Slovenian Foreign Ministry said on Twitter.

At least four people, including a child, were also killed in an attack on the city of Zhytomyr.