The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed that orders were issued to all Russian units in Ukraine to resume their attack on Saturday from all fronts after a halt on Friday. For its part, the Kyiv municipality announced on Saturday a curfew until 8 AM on Monday (6:00 GMT) as fighting continued in the center of the Ukrainian capital on the third day of the Russian attack. The municipality stated in a release that "the curfew in Kyiv starts on Saturday at 5 PM (3:00 GMT) until Monday at 08:00," adding that anyone found on the streets during this period "will be considered a member of groups of enemy saboteurs."
Fighting erupted on Saturday morning in Kyiv between Ukrainian and Russian forces for control of the capital, amidst reports that the majority of Russian forces are now 30 kilometers from the heart of Kyiv. Battles occurred on Victory Avenue, one of Kyiv's main arteries, just hours after President Volodymyr Zelensky called for mobilization. A correspondent for "Al Arabiya" and "Al Hadath" reported that a missile hit a residential building near Zhuliany Airport in Kyiv. The emergency service indicated that the missile struck between the 18th and 21st floors, stating that evacuation efforts for residents are "ongoing." Russia had recently announced that it launched cruise missiles on the third day of its invasion of Ukraine.
For its part, the British Ministry of Defense confirmed that the majority of Russian forces advancing toward the Ukrainian capital Kyiv are now 30 kilometers away from the city center. Britain stated that the Ukrainian army is showing fierce resistance across the country. The mayor of Kyiv extended the curfew in the city, which is under intense Russian attack for the third consecutive day amid the invasion of Ukraine. Mayor Vitali Klitschko tweeted that the extended curfew would be enforced from 5 PM to 8 AM daily to ensure increased effectiveness in defending the city and the safety of its residents.
Interfax news agency quoted the Ukrainian health minister as saying that at least 198 people, including three children, have been killed as a result of the Russian attack. He added that 1,115 people were injured, including 33 children, but it was unclear whether he was only referring to civilian casualties. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on Saturday that it is not targeting Ukrainian cities and is taking all measures to avoid civilian casualties. The Russian military operation in Ukraine entered its third day on Saturday, with renewed shelling of the capital and gunfire heard in Independence Square in the center of Kyiv since early hours of the day. Foreign embassies have issued warnings, urging their citizens to be cautious and stay near shelters, while repeated warnings were made to Ukrainians to seek shelter from the bombardment.
Interfax reported that Ukrainian forces are in control of the Kyiv hydroelectric power station. The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed that its military struck vital sites of the Ukrainian army with cruise missiles and reported that the Ukrainian city of Melitopol is now under the control of the Russian army. Reports indicated that gunfire was heard near government headquarters in central Kyiv, and the Ukrainian army confirmed an attack on a military base near Kyiv, as Russian forces launched Kalibr missiles at Ukraine from the Black Sea.
Multiple sources reported that the Ukrainian capital is experiencing internet service disruptions, while eyewitnesses reported looting in Kyiv, alongside shortages of food supplies, especially bread. Meanwhile, a correspondent for "Al Arabiya" and "Al Hadath" in Ukraine reported renewed targeting of Kharkiv, indicating that Kharkiv authorities urged residents to go to shelters amid a food crisis and a rush on food supplies.
The Ukrainian National Security Council announced that the situation in Kyiv is under control, affirming that the capital is under the control of the army and residents. The Ukrainian forces on Saturday claimed to have repelled a nighttime "attack" carried out by Russian soldiers on one of their positions on Victory Street, one of the main arteries in Kyiv. The Ukrainian Ground Forces wrote on Facebook, "The attack was repelled," without providing further details about the location of the confrontation. Hours earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky had expected Russian forces to launch an attack overnight.
Separately, the Ukrainian Interfax agency reported that Russian soldiers are trying to seize one of the power plants in the city. A senior U.S. defense official stated on Friday that Russia is facing stronger resistance than it anticipated in its war against Ukraine, including its advance toward Kyiv, and seems to have lost some momentum in its attack. The official added, "In our assessment, we see that there is stronger resistance from the Ukrainians than the Russians expected," noting that the command and control centers of the Ukrainian army "have not been damaged."
Simultaneously, the Sputnik agency reported on Friday that the Russian Ministry of Defense has seized a large quantity of weapons supplied to Ukraine by the West. It also reported that the Russian Ministry of Defense noted that the military has destroyed 211 military facilities of Ukraine's military infrastructure, indicating that among the destroyed military facilities in Ukraine were 17 command and communication centers, 19 S-300 and Osa systems, and 39 radars.
