RUSSIA launched heavy air raids over Ukraine today, attacking the capital Kiev and other regions with multiple missiles and drones.

Ukraine’s air force reported a ballistic missile threat in the early hours of this morning followed by at least two explosions heard in Kiev.

Another missile alert was issued later in the morning followed by at least one explosion in the city. 

Missile debris fell in the Darnytskyi district of the capital with no reports of casualties or damage, the local administration said.

Authorities in the north-eastern Sumy region reported strikes near the city of Shostka, where the mayor, Mykola Noha, said 12 residential buildings had been damaged as well as two educational facilities. 

He said some “social infrastructure objects” were destroyed, without providing detail.

The air force also reported missiles and drones targeting several other regions.

The Russian Defence Ministry said that its forces successfully struck a Ukrainian air base and a gunpowder factory.

Around half of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been destroyed by the Russians during the war, with rolling electricity blackouts widespread.

Kiev’s Western allies have provided air defence systems to help protect critical infrastructure, but they have largely failed to thwart the Russian attacks.

Uncertainty looms over the course of the nearly three-year conflict. 

US president-elect Donald Trump, who takes office later this month, has vowed to end the war and has thrown into doubt the continuation of US military support for Kiev.

On Monday, President Joe Biden announced that the US will send an additional $2.5 billion (around £2bn) in weapons to Ukraine as his administration works quickly to maximise support before Mr Trump takes office.

Ukraine has struck back at Russia with missile and drone attacks throughout the year.

Early yesterday, Russia's Defence Ministry said that air defences shot down 68 Ukrainian drones over several regions and sank eight uncrewed boats in the Black Sea.

Head of the Smolensk region in western Russia Vasily Anokhin said drone fragments fell on the territory of an oil depot, sparking a blaze.

In Crimea, the Moscow-appointed head of the city of Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhayev, said that Russian defences downed four aerial drones attacking the city and sank two uncrewed boats near the shore.

Russia’s military held the initiative over last year, steadily advancing in a series of offensives.