Ukraine invasion: Russian missiles hit oil terminal and gasoline pipeline sparking fears of ‘disaster’ | World Information

Vladimir Putin’s troops have reportedly entered Ukraine’s second largest metropolis Kharkiv on day 4 of his invasion – as Russian missiles hit a gasoline pipeline there and likewise focused an oil terminal elsewhere.

Ukrainian troopers are preventing Russian forces within the streets of Kharkiv, in line with the pinnacle of the Kharkiv regional administration, Oleh Sinehubov, who urged civilians to not go away their houses.

The Ukrainian authorities stated that smoke from the broken pipeline might trigger an “environmental disaster”.

Folks had been warned to cowl their home windows with damp material or gauze.

Russian advance ‘slows’ as a result of ‘sturdy resistance’ – stay updates

The oil terminal was set alight in Vasylkiv, southwest of the capital Kyiv, in line with the city’s mayor Natalia Balasinovich.

In a video posted on-line, she stated: “The enemy desires to destroy every little thing round.”

Photographs and video on social media confirmed massive flames within the night time sky and residents had been advised to be alert for poisonous fumes.

Additionally, Russian-backed separatists in Ukraine’s Luhansk province stated an oil terminal was blown up by a Ukrainian missile within the city of Rovenky.

Ukraine’s Infrastructure Ministry stated a Russian missile was additionally shot down early on Saturday earlier than it might attain the dam of a reservoir that serves Kyiv.

Many hundreds of Ukrainians spent one other night time inside and underground on Saturday, looking for security from the Russian troops, as they drew nearer to Kyiv.

It’s unclear how a lot territory Russian forces have seized however the UK’s Ministry of Defence stated their pace “has quickly slowed, possible because of acute logistical difficulties and powerful Ukrainian resistance”.

That resistance – towards a a lot bigger foe – has been supported by money and weapons from allies such because the UK and US.

Russia to be faraway from SWIFT

On Saturday night, Western allies additionally agreed to take away chosen Russian banks from the SWIFT international monetary messaging system.

In a joint assertion, leaders of Europe, UK, US, and Canada, stated the transfer was considered one of 5 measures to be carried out within the coming days.

It’ll cease Russian banks from conducting most of their monetary transactions worldwide and successfully block Russian exports and imports, in line with European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen.

Ukraine’s well being minister stated on Saturday that 198 individuals, together with three youngsters, had been killed and greater than 1,000 others had been wounded. It was unclear whether or not these figures included each navy and civilian casualties.

Russia has claimed it’s aiming solely at navy targets however bridges, faculties, and residential areas have been hit.

Greater than 150,000 Ukrainians have fled for Poland and different neighbouring international locations, with the United Nations warning that the variety of refugees might attain 4 million.

‘The struggle is right here’

However Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has insisted he’s staying within the nation, regardless of experiences that the Russian president plans to eliminate him in favour of a extra compliant chief.

The Related Press reported on Saturday that the US had provided the 44-year-old as a approach in another country, however he had replied: “The struggle is right here – I would like ammunition, not a journey.”

Mr Zelenskyy has stated that he’s open to speaking with Mr Putin, including that he welcomed a proposal from Turkey and Azerbaijan to organise this.

The Kremlin confirmed a telephone name between Mr Putin and Azerbaijan’s president Ilham Aliyev had taken place, however there was no indication that talks between Mr Putin and the Ukrainian president would consequence.