Russian strikes on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and its surrounding regions have killed at least five people and wounded around 23 others, Ukrainian authorities said in the early hours of Thursday.

Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko confirmed that Russia launched a ballistic missile attack on the city. The attack damaged residential buildings, a medical facility, and an educational institution, according to the Kyiv city military administration.

At least five people were killed in Kyiv, the administration added. In a separate attack on the Brovary district in the broader Kyiv region, one person was killed and another wounded, said regional governor Tymur Tkachenko.

"One industrial facility has been damaged. All relevant services are on site, working to extinguish the fire," he added.

In neighboring Poland, the Polish army said it started preventive military aviation operations to protect its airspace amid the Russian strikes. The Polish military often takes this measure during heavy Russian strikes on Ukraine.

Russia has stepped up attacks on the Ukrainian capital in recent months, while Ukraine has also increased strikes deep within Russia.

Source: www.dw.com