The minister announced a ‘massive attack’ on Ukraine’s energy sector

Russia launched a “massive attack” on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure after reports of explosions in several cities, the country’s Energy Minister said.

Herman Halushchenko said on Facebook that attacks on energy facilities were “taking place across Ukraine” and that an emergency power outage had been introduced, urging people to take shelter.

Early Thursday morning, the Ukrainian air force issued a nationwide air strike warning “due to the dangerous missile threat.”

Recent days have seen Russia make several 1,500 air strikes in Ukraine, hitting about half of the country’s regions, according to authorities.

The air force has issued further warnings about rockets, missiles and drones heading towards many areas across the country, including Kyiv, Rivne, Vinnytsia, Kropyvnytskyi, Balta and Mykolaiv.

Kharkiv mayor Igor Terekhov said there was shelling in residential areas in the city, while Lutsk mayor Ihor Polishchuk said multiple explosions were heard and Electricity was out in part of the city.

Local media Zerkalo Tyzhnya reported explosions were heard in the key port city of Odesa, while regional governor Oleg Kiper urged people to stay in a safe place.

The authorities of the Sumy and Volyn regions also reported strikes.