Sawt Falasteen - Russian missiles rock Kyiv, kill several in eastern Ukraine

AFP journalists heard multiple explosions in the capital Kyiv, as authorities in the city said Russia was using ballistic missiles.

Moscow, which invaded Ukraine more than four years ago, has bombarded its neighbour nearly daily and Kyiv has regularly retaliated, as talks to end Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II remain stalled.

The attack came days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia was preparing a "massive new strike" on the country.

"Explosions in the city. Air defence forces are working! Stay in shelters!" Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said in a Telegram post.

Residents rushed to shelters clutching bags and blankets, AFP journalists observed, as a large plume of smoke emanated from Kyiv's city centre.

The strikes wounded 14 people and set off fires in various areas of the city, Klitschko said, adding that power was out in several districts.

Tymur Tkachenko, the head of Kyiv's City Military Administration, said "the enemy is striking with ballistic missiles".

There were also deadly attacks in the east.

A Russian attack on the city of Dnipro killed four people and wounded 16 others -- several of whom were critical -- local governor Oleksandr Ganzha said.

Ten people, including a child, were wounded in the city of Kharkiv, according to the mayor, Igor Terekhov.

- 'Protect your lives' -

Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone strike killed one person in Russia's Kursk, near the Ukrainian border, regional governor Alexander Khinshtein said.

"We have intelligence information about Russia preparing a new massive strike," Zelensky said on Friday, calling for people to "protect your lives".

"Please pay attention to air alerts, protect your lives. Our services are working efficiently and are prepared; the Air Force and other defenders of our skies will be on duty 24/7, as always."

The Ukrainian president has reiterated his call to allies to allow and finance the supply of Patriot missiles, which can intercept Russian ballistic missiles.

He wrote to US President Donald Trump and the US Congress last week asking for Patriot systems to respond to the intensifying Russian air attacks.

Ukraine has also stepped up its strikes on occupied territories and on Russia in retaliation for the daily Russian bombardments.

US-mediated efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict have stalled since the outbreak of war in the Middle East, which is taking up Washington's attention and resources.

E.Aziz--SF-PST