Russian rockets strike Ukrainian cities: explosions reported in Kharkiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih

Early Monday morning, on January 8, air raid sirens were sounded across all regions of Ukraine due to missile launches from Russia, including ballistic missiles like "Kinzhal." 

The aggressor country had deployed over a dozen Tu-95MS and MiG-31K jets into the sky overnight, Rubryka reports.

The first explosions were reported around 6:45 a.m. in Dnipro, followed by incidents in Kryvyi Rih, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv, according to information from the Ukrainian Air Force and the Suspilne news outlet.

Simultaneously, the Russians activated Su-35/Su-34 jets and fired missiles from the north. The Air Force urged citizens to take the air raid signals seriously and ensure their safety.

According to Ukrainian Air Force reports, around 3:00 a.m., nine Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers took off from the "Olenya" airfield in the Murmansk Oblast in Russia. By 6:00 a.m., four Tu-22M3 bombers were also observed departing from the same airfield. At 6:10 a.m., air raid alarms spread across Ukraine as 11 Russian Tu-95MS bombers, after 6:17 a.m., launched cruise missiles from the Caspian Sea area.

In addition, Russian Su-35/Su-34 aircraft, active in the north, deployed aviation missiles. The first missiles passed through Sumy towards Poltava/Cherkasy, through Kharkiv toward the Dnipropetrovsk region, and from the south of Kyiv toward the west.

Seven MiG-31K were detected taking off from the "Savasleyka" airfield in the Nizhny Novgorod Oblast of Russia. At 6:36 a.m., the Ukrainian Air Force announced that the Russian occupiers had launched "Kinzhal" ballistic missiles.

Minutes later, a fast-moving target was reported over Dnipro, followed by sounds of explosions in the city and in Kryvyi Rih and Zaporizhzhia.

Reports indicate the activation of air defense systems in the Khmelnytskyi region.

"In the Khmelnytskyi region, air defense systems are active," said the statement.

Explosions in Kryvyi Rih

In the central city of Kryvyi Rih, explosions were reported early on January 8 due to a massive rocket attack.

"Massive rocket attack on Kryvyi Rih. Do not ignore the air raid alert. Follow information hygiene," said the head of the Kryvyi Rih Defense Council, Oleksandr Vilkul, on Telegram.

Attack on Dnipro

Explosions were also reported in the central city of Dnipro early on January 8. "Explosions in Dnipro," the statement said.

A widespread air raid alert is currently in effect throughout Ukraine. Russians are attacking Ukraine with missiles.

Specifically, the Ukrainian Air Force reported the passage of a missile group through the Kharkiv region toward the Dnipropetrovsk region.

Additionally, the Ukrainian military observed the launch of a Russian air-launched ballistic missile, "Kinzhals," from a MiG-31K jet. Following this, a fast-moving target was reported over Dnipro.

Explosions in Zaporizhzhia

Sounds of explosions were also reported in the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia early on January 8.

Yurii Malashko, the head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration, confirmed the explosions in the city and stated that the quantity and consequences of missile strikes on the territory of Zaporizhzhia and its populated areas would be announced after the air raid alert.

Shelling in Kharkiv

At least four explosions were heard in the northeastern city of Kharkiv. The region declared an air raid alert.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported the possibility of additional incoming attacks.

"The morning begins with an explosion in the city. Possible further arrivals, and I urge everyone to be cautious," Terekhov wrote.

Oleh Syniehubov, the governor of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, reported attacks on the city.

"Occupiers are striking Kharkiv and the region. Take cover!" Syniehubov announced.