Ukrainian capital Kyiv under massive Russian attack, officials say

Firefighters put out the fire on the damaged vehicle hit by Russian airstrike in Kharkiv, Ukraine. (Photo: AP)

The Ukrainian capital Kyiv came under a massive Russian attack ‍early ⁠on Saturday, with explosions sounding in the city, air defences in operation and ​the Ukrainian military ‌saying missiles were being deployed.

The Russian action ​took place two days before a meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he is due to hold in the ‌United States with President Donald Trump to work out details ‌of an accord for settling ‌the nearly four-year-old war pitting Russia against Ukraine.

Reuters ‌eyewitnesses said ‍air ⁠defences ​were in action in the city and ⁠unofficial Telegram channels ⁠reported explosions. A military Telegram channel said cruise and ballistic missiles ‌were being deployed in the city.