Russia-Ukraine war live: residential buildings in Kyiv hit by missiles as world leaders meet at G20 | Ukraine

Russian’s foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has criticised Ireland for, she claims, moving away from its traditional military neutrality, in moves being “cheered on by its British neighbour.”

In a statement published by Russia’s foreign ministry, Zakharova says:

We have noted the heated debate in Ireland regarding the country’s military neutrality in the context of the conflict in Ukraine. Notably, the opposition is criticising the government for its decision to involve Ireland in the European Union’s combat training mission to train service personnel for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This initiative was called another official step to draw Dublin into EU and subsequently Nato military activity that in the long run would completely demolish the idea of Ireland’s traditional military neutrality.

We have to state that the right-centrist coalition now ruling Ireland is moving to virtually erode a constitutional ban on involving the state in military conflicts. Ireland’s seemingly illogical desire to destroy its state pillars is actually part of Washington and London’s efforts to consolidate the Western bloc along military lines. After Finland and Sweden join Nato, only a few countries, including Ireland, would remain outside the alliance.

Zakharova went on to accuse Ireland of destroying “bilateral political, economic and cultural ties” and “hampering the normal operation of the Russian Embassy in Dublin”.

Dmytro Zhyvytskyi, governor of Sumy, has posted to Telegram to say that emergency electricity shutdowns have been introduced into the region as a result of “enemy attacks in Sumy and the region”.

Ukraine’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Sergiy Kyslytsya, has described today’s Russian strikes as Russia “spitting in the face” of fellow attendees at the G20.

The British ambassador to Ukraine, Melinda Simmons, has tweeted: “As night follows day, Russia follows up humiliating withdrawal from Kherson with missile strikes on energy infrastructure in Kyiv and elsewhere. The British are waiting it out alongside Ukrainian residents.”

‘Critical energy infrastructure’ hit in Lviv causing electricity and mobile signal outage

Power issues in Kharkiv after ‘critical infrastructure’ hit by Russian strike – mayor

Here is another image we have been sent over the newswires of firefighters working in Kyiv in the aftermath of a Russian attack that struck a residential area.

The US ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget A Brink has described the series of attacks launched today by Russia on Ukraine as “another round of cruel attacks”.

She has tweeted to say she is thinking of “colleagues, neighbours, and friends here in Kyiv and across Ukraine. We will continue to stand with Ukrainians who have stayed strong in the face of Russia’s needless onslaught for months – and with those fighting to defend Ukraine.”

Andriy Sadovyi, the mayor of Lviv, has also posted to Telegram, saying “Explosions are heard in Lviv. Everyone stay in shelters!”

Oleh Synyehubov, the governor of Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, has posted a short update to Telegram to say: “The occupiers strike Kharkiv! Stay in shelters.”

The mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, has posted to Telegram to confirm “Another hit in the Pechersk district. Multi-storey building.”

Another explosion has been reported in Kyiv, NBC News’ Molly Hunter writes.

Kyrylo Tymoshenko, the deputy head of Ukraine’s presidential office, has posted a video reportedly showing an apartment building on fire after explosions were reported in Kyiv.

Two residential buildings hit in Kyiv’s Pechersk district, says mayor

Isobel Koshiw