Battle for Kyiv: Hundreds of casualties as fighting spills into streets 

Patrick Reilly / The New York Post

 

The battle for Kyiv was underway — with explosions and gunfire reported in the Ukrainian capital — as Russian forces forged on with an aggressive overnight offensive Friday into Saturday.

Ukrainian officials warned Kyiv residents to shelter in place as street fighting continued in the city into the morning. The alert advised people to remain in shelters and stay away from windows and balconies to avoid being struck by debris or gunfire.

Hundreds of casualties have already been reported in the wake of the assault. Russian shells demolished apartment buildings in Kyiv and schools and bridges were also destroyed.

According to Health Minister Viktor Lyashko, 198 Ukrainians have been killed in Russia’s attacks. Three victims were identified as children. Over 1,000 people were wounded as of Saturday morning. Read more here.