Ukraine/Russia crises: Fighting breaks out in Ukraine’s second city Kharkiv
Ukrainian forces are battling Russian troops on the streets of Ukraine’s second city Kharkiv, according to local officials.
Regional governor Oleh Sinegubov said light vehicles had entered the city, as he urged its 1.4 million residents to stay indoors.
The advance came after missiles rained down overnight. A nine-storey residential tower was hit, as reported by emergency services.
#Харків: ворог підступно атакує житлові квартали, снаряд влучив у 9-типоверхівку, загинула жінка, рятувальники?? евакуювали 2 десятки людей.https://t.co/qDwS7IAxlP pic.twitter.com/0F1IjFLwMH
— DSNS.GOV.UA (@SESU_UA) February 27, 2022
The building was severely damaged and an elderly woman was killed, but rescuers said about 60 people were spared injury as they had taken refuge in the basement.
Russian troops also blew up a natural gas pipeline nearby, according to a Ukrainian state communications agency.
The fighting across Ukraine has resulted in at least 240 civilian casualties, including 64 deaths, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OCHCR).
It added that damage to homes and critical infrastructure has left hundreds of people without access to water and electricity.
A telegram video below has shown Russian troops driving into Kharkiv.
It comes after an oil terminal outside the capital Kyiv was attacked by missile, prompting toxic air warnings.
The massive explosion in Vasylkiv, 18 miles (30km) south of Kyiv, saw flames light up the night sky.
Those nearby were warned to close their windows – though many in Kyiv are already sheltering underground.
A strict curfew in the capital is in place until Monday.
Hundreds sought shelter underground in the metro in Kharkiv, Ukraine, view photograph below:
