Ukraine, Russian attack on Lviv: 'Hit by Oreshnik supermissile'. Explosions also in Kiev

Moscow claims to have hit Ukraine with the hypersonic Oreshnik missile. This was reported by Russian Defence Ministry sources. Russia struck 'strategic targets' in Ukraine overnight using the Oreshnik hypersonic missile, the Russian Defence Ministry announced in a note. The attacks, the exact number and targets of which were not specified, were carried out 'in response to the terrorist attack perpetrated by the Kiev regime' against Vladimir Putin's residence in late December, which Ukraine claims was a 'lie'.

At least four people died, and 19 others were injured, in the massive attacks launched by Russia on Kiev. According to the mayor of the capital, Vitali Klitschko, 'one paramedic died and four others were injured while giving aid to people in the Darnytskyi district'. The air force went on to explain that some attacks were recorded over the city of Lviv where ballistic missiles were intercepted travelling at hypersonic speed, at around 13,000 km/h, which led the mayor of the city to question whether it was indeed an Oreshnik.

More than 500,000 people are without electricity following a Ukrainian attack on the Russian region of Belgorod. This was announced by the local governor, Viatcheslav Gladkov. "As of 6am this morning, 556 thousand people in six municipalities are without electricity and almost the same number without heating," he wrote on Telegram, specifying that around 200 thousand people are without water and sanitation. The Belgorod region borders the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump has indicated that he is ready to commit to the US being involved in the future defence of Ukraine - but only, he said, because he is convinced that Russia will not attempt to invade the country again. 'I feel strongly that they will not reinvade, otherwise I would not agree,' he said in an interview with the New York Times. Asked about a potential peace deal that would require the US and its allies to offer military support to Ukraine in the event of a new invasion, Trump interrupted the reporter to point out that the US would play a secondary role in such a scenario. "Let's put it this way: its allies, all of Europe, other countries that participate in it - and the United States," Trump said. The tycoon continues to believe in President Vladimir Putin's supposed willingness for peace. "I think he wants to make a deal," he said.