Loud Blasts, Missile Interceptions Reported In Kyiv

Reports of blasts being heard and air defence systems being active in Kyiv, with a number of social media accounts circulating footage of a large explosion and missile interceptions. NEXTA cites Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksiy Goncharenko who notes that Ukraine has shot down a Russian plane near Kyiv. Deputy Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko adds that cruise and missile strikes on the capital have continued.

• NEXTA earlier reported that "Ukrainian special services found out Putin's plan to capture Kyiv by paratroopers," with the ultimate aim of forcing the government to sign agreements with Russia on Moscow's terms. "If the authorities evacuate, one of the pro-Putin politicians will head the government," while "Ukraine could be divided into two parts" (click here to see the full thread).