VLADIMIR Putin last night launched an enormous nuclear-capable missile in a savage strike on Ukraine, as Nato scrambled warplanes to defend against the dictator.
accused ageing tyrant Putin of “madness” after the strikes pummeled the and surrounding areas, killing four and injuring dozens.
Putin unleashed a huge attack on Kyiv and the surrounding area last night Credit: Reuters
The terrifying moment a projectile slams into a building Credit: Reuters
Every district of the Ukrainian capital was hit Credit: Reuters
Fires raged across the capital Credit: Reuters
The Oreshnik is a ballistic missile with a huge range of several thousand kilometres that can carry nukes – it did not have a nuclear warhead attached when it was launched towards the Ukrainian capital yesterday.
But the huge missile did unleash a fast-moving flurry of warheads on Bila Tserkva, a town 56 miles south of the Ukrainian capital.
Apocalyptic scenes were pictured on the streets of Kyiv as attacks killed at least four people and injured around 84.
Three more people are fighting for their lives in hospital after the strikes.
Smoke rises above Kyiv – four people were killed and around 84 were injured Credit: AFP
At least 10 blocks of flats were hit in the huge bombardment Credit: Reuters
The stikes are thought to be a revenge blitz by Putin Credit: East2west News
Putin’s strikes devastated a market and the Kvadrat shopping centre Credit: AFP
Children were among the injured as every district of Kyiv was hit.
More than 40 confirmed strikes devastated a market, the Kvadrat shopping centre, and at least 10 blocks of flats.
Terrifying videos showed massive blazes burning and enormous pillars of smoke billowing after the strikes.
A top Ukrainian defence staffer fumed: “They launched a nuclear missile without a nuclear warhead to scare us and the world. Idiots.”
Smoke rises over the Ukrainian capital Credit: East2West
Huge blazes burnt across the city Credit: East2west News
The Russian strikes involved Tu-95MS nuclear-capable bombers, more than 50 missiles and 700 .
The onslaught appeared to be a revenge attack for a when Ukraine targeted an elite Russian command centre in the occupied Luhansk region.
The claimed at least six people were killed and a further 39 injured in the overnight strike, and Putin was reportedly preparing “proposals” on how to retaliate.
Zelensky slammed Mad Vlad and urged Ukrainians to take shelter, demanding: “This war must be ended – peace is needed, not missiles to satisfy the sick ambitions of one person.”
Around 40 strikes were reported in Kyiv and a nearby town Credit: AP
More than 50 missiles and 700 drones targeted Ukraine last night Credit: East2West
French air force planes were scrambled in Polish airspace as responded to Putin’s latest bombardment.
A statement from Warsaw read: “Due to the activity of long-range Russian aircraft carrying out air strikes on Ukrainian territory, military aircraft are operating in our airspace.”
“The Command of the Operational Forces of the Armed Forces has activated the necessary forces and assets at its disposal.
“Ground-based air defence and radar detection systems have been placed on alert.”
In the aftermath of the strike, Zelensky mocked the raving Russian leader.
The Ukrainian president said: “He launched his Oreshnik against Bila Tserkva. They are genuinely deranged.
“It is important that this does not remain without consequences for .”
The missile’s name means hazel tree in Russian – indicating nuts.
Zelensky, who had a successful career as a comedian before he was elected president of , implied Putin, 73, is an “old nutter”.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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