Ukraine news – live: Putin prepares 2,000 tanks as he unleashes largest missile attack on Zaporizhzhia
Russia has amassed 2,000 tanks for its new offensive to take the eastern region of Donbas , a Ukrainian intelligence officer has warned. It comes as Vladimir Putin unleashed a new wave of missile strikes on critical infrastructure in Ukraine on Friday, causing explosions in Kyiv and Kharviv, as well as several cities across the country. At least 17 missiles hit Zaporizhzhia in an hour in the heaviest attack on the southeastern city since Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year , local officials said. Power supplies were disrupted by overnight drone and missile strikes on power stations and transmission facilities in eastern, southern and western Ukraine. “The air alert will be long,” said Maksym Marchenko, regional governor of the southern region of Odesa. “Please do not ignore the air alert sirens, and go to the shelters.” Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky , who this week pleaded with European Union leaders for more weapons, including fighter jets, said: “Th