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Russian missiles pounded a residential area in Ukraine's second-largest city Kharkiv. The missile strikes injured at least 11 people, with one person suffering serious injuries. No casualties were reported.

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Thousands gathered in a rare large protest in the Russian region of Bashkortostan and clashed with riot police who fired tear gas and hit protesters with batons, on Wednesday (Jan 17), after a prominent local rights activist was sentenced to four years in a penal colony.

<h2>Rare protest turned violent</h2>

According to Russia’s Investigative Committee, several people, including law enforcement officials, were injured during the protest and subsequent clashes.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Moscow-Pyongyang relations: Lavrov holds talks with North Korean counterpart

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/moscow-pyongyang-relations-lavrov-holds-talks-with-north-korean-counterpart-680857/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“During the mass disturbances, which were accompanied by violence, including the use of objects used as weapons, several people were injured, including members of law enforcement agencies,” said the investigators.&nbsp;

A monitoring group, OVD-Info group reported that dozens of people were detained, and injured, and one protester had suffered a “smashed head”.&nbsp;

The clashes broke out between the police and a large crowd of people who had gathered in support of the activist, Fail Alsynov in the small Russian town of Baymak.&nbsp;

Large protests are extremely rare in Russia given the risk of arrest over any gatherings which the authorities deem unauthorised.

According to reports, a few thousand people gathered for the demonstration which went on for several days in temperatures as low as -20 degree Celsius.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-is-developing-ties-with-n-korea-in-all-areas-including-sensitive-ones-kremlin-680872">Russia is developing ties with N. Korea in all areas, including 'sensitive' ones: Kremlin</a>

Footage of the incident showed protesters pelting the police with snowballs which harmlessly smashed against their shields. Several people have also reportedly been detained.&nbsp;

According to the SOTA, an opposition Telegram channel, the clashes broke out after protesters blocked the court building in a bid to try to stop Alsynov from being taken away.

<h2>About Alsynov and his trial</h2>

The local activist was jailed for inciting ethnic hatred and was accused of insulting migrant workers in a speech he made last year over plans to mine for gold in Bashkortostan. A charge which he has since denied saying that his words were mistranslated from the Bashkir language.&nbsp;

However, Alsynov’s supporters said that the case against him was revenge for his role in protests several years earlier during which activists successfully blocked plans to mine for soda on a hill that local people consider a sacred place.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-17-injured-after-russian-missiles-hit-ukraines-kharkiv-680881">At least 17 injured after Russian missiles hit Ukraine's Kharkiv</a>

“Huge thanks to everyone who came to support me. I will never forget this. I don’t admit my guilt,” the local activist told online media outlet RusNews after the verdict. He added, “I always fought for justice, for my people, for my republic,”

Some people in the crowd were heard shouting “Shame!”&nbsp;while others called for the dismissal of the local governor, Radiy Khabirov who accused Alsynov of using racist language.&nbsp;

In his speech in April 2023, the local activist used two words in Bashkir that were translated into Russian as “black people,” which is considered a derogatory term in Russian. However, he insists the words he used in the Bashkir language mean “poor people”.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Mass rioting’</h2>

Local Russian officials have already opened a criminal case into what it described as “mass rioting” which, according to Russian law carried a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.&nbsp;

Rafail Divayev, head of the local interior ministry, urged the protesters to back down, asking them to “come to your senses and not ruin your life”.&nbsp;

“Mass riots threaten our country’s national security, therefore the punishment under this article is quite serious,” the state-run RIA Novosti news agency quoted him as saying.

The protests were one of the largest demonstrations in Russia since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Thousands gathered in a rare large protest in the Russian region of Bashkortostan and clashed with riot police who fired tear gas and hit protesters with batons, on Wednesday (Jan 17), after a prominent local rights activist was sentenced to four years in a penal colony.

Thousands gathered in a rare large protest in the Russian region of Bashkortostan and clashed with riot police who fired tear gas and hit protesters with batons, on Wednesday (Jan 17), after a prominent local rights activist was sentenced to four years in a penal colony. Rare protest turned violent According to Russia’s Investigative Committee, several people, including law enforcement officials, were injured during the protest and subsequent clashes. WATCH | Moscow-Pyongyang relations: Lavrov holds talks with North Korean counterpart “During the mass disturbances, which were accompanied by violence, including the use of objects used as weapons, several people were injured, including members of law enforcement agencies,” said the investigators. A monitoring group, OVD-Info group reported that dozens of people were detained, and injured, and one protester had suffered a “smashed head”. The clashes broke out between the police and a large crowd of people who had gathered in support of the activist, Fail Alsynov in the small Russian town of Baymak. Large protests are extremely rare in Russia given the risk of arrest over any gatherings which the authorities deem unauthorised. According to reports, a few thousand people gathered for the demonstration which went on for several days in temperatures as low as -20 degree Celsius. ALSO READ | Russia is developing ties with N. Korea in all areas, including 'sensitive' ones: Kremlin Footage of the incident showed protesters pelting the police with snowballs which harmlessly smashed against their shields. Several people have also reportedly been detained. According to the SOTA, an opposition Telegram channel, the clashes broke out after protesters blocked the court building in a bid to try to stop Alsynov from being taken away. About Alsynov and his trial The local activist was jailed for inciting ethnic hatred and was accused of insulting migrant workers in a speech he made last year over plans to mine for gold in Bashkortostan. A charge which he has since denied saying that his words were mistranslated from the Bashkir language. However, Alsynov’s supporters said that the case against him was revenge for his role in protests several years earlier during which activists successfully blocked plans to mine for soda on a hill that local people consider a sacred place. ALSO READ | At least 17 injured after Russian missiles hit Ukraine's Kharkiv “Huge thanks to everyone who came to support me. I will never forget this. I don’t admit my guilt,” the local activist told online media outlet RusNews after the verdict. He added, “I always fought for justice, for my people, for my republic,” Some people in the crowd were heard shouting “Shame!” while others called for the dismissal of the local governor, Radiy Khabirov who accused Alsynov of using racist language. In his speech in April 2023, the local activist used two words in Bashkir that were translated into Russian as “black people,” which is considered a derogatory term in Russian. However, he insists the words he used in the Bashkir language mean “poor people”. ‘Mass rioting’ Local Russian officials have already opened a criminal case into what it described as “mass rioting” which, according to Russian law carried a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. Rafail Divayev, head of the local interior ministry, urged the protesters to back down, asking them to “come to your senses and not ruin your life”. “Mass riots threaten our country’s national security, therefore the punishment under this article is quite serious,” the state-run RIA Novosti news agency quoted him as saying. The protests were one of the largest demonstrations in Russia since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia protest: Demonstrators clash with riot police over jailing of rights activist

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing a series of woes ahead of the general elections due later this year. But his biggest source of distress is a revolt by senior mps of his conservative party. The revolt is over Sunak's controversial plan to send asylum-seekers on a one-way trip to Rwanda.

British PM Sunak seeks to save his policy & his skin

The Houthis of Yemen launched a "direct hit" on the Zografia ship with the use of naval missiles, according to Yahya Sarea, a spokesman for the group's military. One of the Greek sources stated that the Zografia had 24 crew members on board and was traveling from Vietnam to Israel when it was attacked. The ship was devoid of cargo.

Red Sea Crisis: US again strikes Yemen as Houthis attack another ship in Red Sea

The British parliament has debated PM Sunak's Rwanda bill and will come to a decision amid deep divisions on the issue. Sunak hopes the new legislation will boost his 2024 bid and help him fulfil his stop the boats pledge. But why is this bill so significant for Sunak, the conservative party, and voters alike?

WION'S power explainer | British PM Sunak's Rwanda policy

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Herbie Hancock, Dianne Reeves to honor Martin Luther King Jr Day with concerts, master classes in Delhi and Mumbai.

Herbie Hancock, Dianne Reeves to honor Martin Luther King Jr Day with concerts in India

A New Zealand couple successfully secured a refund from Qantas Airways after enduring an unpleasant incident on a flight from Bangkok, Thailand, to Sydney, Australia.

The ordeal began on December 30 when the couple discovered that their plane seats were wet with what they initially thought was water.

Upon settling into their seats and placing belongings on the floor, the couple found their Qantas pillow and other items damp.

Assuming it was water, they stored the duty-free bag in the overhead bin and called a flight attendant to replace the wet pillow. However, the situation took a distressing turn when one of the passengers found children's underwear under the seat, leading them to suspect it was urine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-passengers-discover-live-snake-in-overhead-cabin-on-bangkok-flight-680905">Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;Passengers discover live snake in overhead cabin on Bangkok flight</a>

<h2>Unaware 10-hour soak</h2>

Realising they had been sitting in urine for the entire 10-hour trip, the couple discarded the allegedly tainted travel pillow and duty-free bag upon landing. Seeking resolution, they approached an airline supervisor, who offered 10,000 Qantas points.

Deeming it inadequate, the couple demanded a full refund, initially denied due to their "fully utilised" ticket.

Despite initial resistance from Qantas, the couple persisted in their request for a full refund, demanding $3,827—the cost of the flight.

Also watch |&nbsp;Dense fog in Delhi: Reduced visibility disrupts flights out of Delhi, intense cold wave prevails

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/dense-fog-in-delhi-reduced-visibility-disrupts-flights-out-of-delhi-intense-cold-wave-prevails-680799/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

After several exchanges, Qantas relented and issued a full reimbursement, accompanied by an apology for the distressing experience. A Qantas spokesperson mentioned looking into the incident and addressing it with the cleaning supplier in Bangkok.

In response to the couple's ordeal, Qantas apologised and committed to refunding the entire amount as a goodwill gesture. The airline acknowledged the need for further investigation into the incident and conveyed the issue to their cleaning supplier in Bangkok, responsible for preparing the aircraft before departure.

(With inputs from agencies)

A New Zealand couple successfully secured a refund from Qantas Airways after enduring an unpleasant incident on a flight from Bangkok, Thailand, to Sydney, Australia.

A New Zealand couple successfully secured a refund from Qantas Airways after enduring an unpleasant incident on a flight from Bangkok, Thailand, to Sydney, Australia. The ordeal began on December 30 when the couple discovered that their plane seats were wet with what they initially thought was water. Upon settling into their seats and placing belongings on the floor, the couple found their Qantas pillow and other items damp. Assuming it was water, they stored the duty-free bag in the overhead bin and called a flight attendant to replace the wet pillow. However, the situation took a distressing turn when one of the passengers found children's underwear under the seat, leading them to suspect it was urine. Also read | Passengers discover live snake in overhead cabin on Bangkok flight Unaware 10-hour soak Realising they had been sitting in urine for the entire 10-hour trip, the couple discarded the allegedly tainted travel pillow and duty-free bag upon landing. Seeking resolution, they approached an airline supervisor, who offered 10,000 Qantas points. Deeming it inadequate, the couple demanded a full refund, initially denied due to their "fully utilised" ticket. Despite initial resistance from Qantas, the couple persisted in their request for a full refund, demanding $3,827—the cost of the flight. Also watch | Dense fog in Delhi: Reduced visibility disrupts flights out of Delhi, intense cold wave prevails After several exchanges, Qantas relented and issued a full reimbursement, accompanied by an apology for the distressing experience. A Qantas spokesperson mentioned looking into the incident and addressing it with the cleaning supplier in Bangkok. In response to the couple's ordeal, Qantas apologised and committed to refunding the entire amount as a goodwill gesture. The airline acknowledged the need for further investigation into the incident and conveyed the issue to their cleaning supplier in Bangkok, responsible for preparing the aircraft before departure. (With inputs from agencies)

Qantas Airways issues full refund after passengers allege 10-hour flight ‘sitting in urine’

With his popularity on decline, French President Emmanuel Macron is trying to revive his second mandate. After a year of contested reforms, Macron has now announced a wide array of measures. Last year's reforms have hit Macron's ratings, and his chances in the European Parliament Eeections in June. Will these announcements help change the tide for Macron?

French President vows wide-ranging reforms ahead of European elections

Al Jazeera journalist who lost family in war leaves Gaza. Wael al-Dahdouh, the head of Al Jazeera's Gaza bureau, told AFP that he left the Palestinian enclave on Tuesday following the deaths of his wife, several children, and a colleague by Israeli attacks.

Al Jazeera journalist who lost family in war leaves Gaza

Israel continued to pound Gaza as its war with Hamas rages on. In the latest, Israel and Hamas have reached a new deal to deliver medicine and humanitarian aid to civilians in the Gaza strip. The deal was agreed only in exchange for getting medicine delivered to Israeli hostages in Gaza.

Israel-Hamas war | Aid trucks enter Gaza through Rafah border crossing

Republicans (GOP) candidates are preparing for the New Hampshire primary and working to get voters on their side. Many of the candidates are engaging with voters in the traditional town hall setting, but former President Donald Trump has also continued his large campaign rallies.

US Elections 2024: GOP candidates head to New Hampshire, here's what to know

Kuwait on Wednesday formed a government headed by Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah, the state news agency said, the country's first cabinet after the death of its previous ruler.

Sheikh Mohammed appointed new ministers for oil, finance and foreign affairs in the first cabinet formed under Kuwait's new Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, which he said would carry out reforms to comply with the emir's guidance.

"This is a heavy responsibility of a new phase of Kuwait's history which includes challenges and aspirations, and requires further hard work and genuine accomplishment," the prime minister said, quoted by KUNA.

The prime minister appointed Emad Mohammed al-Atiqi as oil minister, Anwar Ali al-Mudhaf as finance minister and Abdullah Ali al-Yahya as foreign minister.

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, who came to power in December after his predecessor Sheikh Nawaf died, is expected to preserve Kuwaiti foreign policies including support for Gulf Arab unity, Western alliances, and good ties with&nbsp;Riyadh - a relationship seen as a priority.

Kuwait will have to grapple with long-running strains between the ruling family and its critics in the deadlocked and fractious parliament that critics say has hindered fiscal and economic reform.

The legislature wields more influence than similar bodies in other Gulf monarchies, and political deadlock has for decades led to cabinet reshuffles and dissolutions of parliament.

Kuwait on Wednesday formed a government headed by Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah, the state news agency said, the country's first cabinet after the death of its previous ruler.

Kuwait on Wednesday formed a government headed by Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah, the state news agency said, the country's first cabinet after the death of its previous ruler. Sheikh Mohammed appointed new ministers for oil, finance and foreign affairs in the first cabinet formed under Kuwait's new Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, which he said would carry out reforms to comply with the emir's guidance. "This is a heavy responsibility of a new phase of Kuwait's history which includes challenges and aspirations, and requires further hard work and genuine accomplishment," the prime minister said, quoted by KUNA. The prime minister appointed Emad Mohammed al-Atiqi as oil minister, Anwar Ali al-Mudhaf as finance minister and Abdullah Ali al-Yahya as foreign minister. Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, who came to power in December after his predecessor Sheikh Nawaf died, is expected to preserve Kuwaiti foreign policies including support for Gulf Arab unity, Western alliances, and good ties with Riyadh - a relationship seen as a priority. Kuwait will have to grapple with long-running strains between the ruling family and its critics in the deadlocked and fractious parliament that critics say has hindered fiscal and economic reform. The legislature wields more influence than similar bodies in other Gulf monarchies, and political deadlock has for decades led to cabinet reshuffles and dissolutions of parliament.

Kuwait forms first government under new emir and prime minister

Russian police use tear gas to disperse protests that erupted in the central Bashkortostan region after a court sentenced a local activist to four years in prison. Fail Alsynov, who campaigns against gold mining in the Urals region and advocates for the protection of the large ethnic Bashkir population's language, was sentenced for "inciting hatred" in the town of Baymak.

Putin says 2020 US elections rigged, gets signatures from donetsk ahead of elections

Iran backed Houthi rebels continue assault on commercial vessels. Rise in commercial vessels at Sri Lanka port amid Red Sea tensions. Colombo Port provides convenient access between Africa, West Asia. Watch to know more!

Sri Lanka's port sees jump in traffic amid Red Sea tensions

Thousands of opposition supporters rallied peacefully in the Serbian capital Belgrade on Tuesday in an anti-government protest to demand the annulment of last month's elections, which were described by international observers as unfair.

Serbian Opposition rallies in Belgrade demand annulment of December election results

Pakistan recalled its ambassador to Iran after the attack on the Balochistan province by Iranian forces killing two children. Pakistan on Wednesday recalled its ambassador to Iran after the latter launched attacks on the Balochistan province.

Pakistan reacts after Iran's deadly strike, calls the attack 'unacceptable'

Pakistan has warned Iran of "serious consequences" after an Iranian strike inside its borders killed two children. Iran says the missiles targetted a terror group. Could this lead to a bigger regional conflict? Priyanka Sharma speaks to Ambassador Anil Trigunayat.

Pakistan warns Iran of "serious consequences" after missile attack

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As tensions escalate, Islamabad has decided to recall its Iran envoy dubbing Tehran’s s deadly strikes as illegal and unacceptable. In addition, the south Asian country has suspended all high-level planned engagements between the two countries. Iran's strikes reportedly killed two and injured three in Pakistan’s Balochistan province.

Pak calls Iran attack 'unacceptable & illegal'

In central Thailand, a devastating explosion at a fireworks factory claimed the lives of at least 20&nbsp;people, reported AFP. The incident occurred around 3:00 pm near Sala Khao township in the central Suphan Buri province, sending shockwaves through the community.

While the immediate aftermath witnessed the loss of 18 lives, authorities, including the police, were still in the process of confirming the official death toll. Police Colonel Theerapoj Rawangban expressed the ongoing efforts to ascertain the exact number of casualties, stating, "There were deaths; we are checking how many people died." The situation remained fluid, with the severity of the incident yet to be fully determined.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-traces-of-new-deadly-bat-virus-which-can-infect-humans-found-inside-cave-says-report-679874">Also read |&nbsp;Thailand: Traces of new deadly bat virus which can infect humans found inside cave, says report</a>

<h2>Mysterious blast</h2>

The explosion, shrouded in uncertainty, lacked a clear indication of its cause. Authorities were grappling with the task of unraveling the circumstances that led to the tragic incident.

Despite the devastation at the fireworks factory, there was a fortunate lack of additional damage to nearby houses or the surrounding community, according to Police Colonel Theerapoj Rawangban.

Disturbing images shared by the local rescue service depicted a grim scene, with metal debris scattered across the ground. A towering plume of black smoke billowed into the sky, serving as a visual testament to the severity of the explosion. The local community found itself grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event.

Also watch |&nbsp;Ram Mandir Ayodhya: How Thailand's Ayutthaya is related to Ayodhya &amp; Lord Ram

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ram-mandir-ayodhya-how-thailands-ayutthaya-is-related-to-ayodhya-lord-ram-680828/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Explosions in workshops engaged in the production of firecrackers and pyrotechnics are sadly not uncommon in Thailand. Last year, a similar incident occurred in Sungai Kolok town in southern Narathiwat province, resulting in 10 deaths and over 100 injuries. The recurrence of such incidents raises concerns about safety measures within the industry.

Beyond the pyrotechnic industry, Thailand grapples with broader safety challenges, particularly in the construction sector. The nation has a lamentable safety record, and fatal accidents are regrettably frequent.

(With inputs from agencies)

In central Thailand, a devastating explosion at a fireworks factory claimed the lives of at least 20 people, reported AFP. The incident occurred around 3:00 pm near Sala Khao township in the central Suphan Buri province, sending shockwaves through the community.

In central Thailand, a devastating explosion at a fireworks factory claimed the lives of at least 20 people, reported AFP. The incident occurred around 3:00 pm near Sala Khao township in the central Suphan Buri province, sending shockwaves through the community. While the immediate aftermath witnessed the loss of 18 lives, authorities, including the police, were still in the process of confirming the official death toll. Police Colonel Theerapoj Rawangban expressed the ongoing efforts to ascertain the exact number of casualties, stating, "There were deaths; we are checking how many people died." The situation remained fluid, with the severity of the incident yet to be fully determined. Also read | Thailand: Traces of new deadly bat virus which can infect humans found inside cave, says report Mysterious blast The explosion, shrouded in uncertainty, lacked a clear indication of its cause. Authorities were grappling with the task of unraveling the circumstances that led to the tragic incident. Despite the devastation at the fireworks factory, there was a fortunate lack of additional damage to nearby houses or the surrounding community, according to Police Colonel Theerapoj Rawangban. Disturbing images shared by the local rescue service depicted a grim scene, with metal debris scattered across the ground. A towering plume of black smoke billowed into the sky, serving as a visual testament to the severity of the explosion. The local community found itself grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event. Also watch | Ram Mandir Ayodhya: How Thailand's Ayutthaya is related to Ayodhya & Lord Ram Explosions in workshops engaged in the production of firecrackers and pyrotechnics are sadly not uncommon in Thailand. Last year, a similar incident occurred in Sungai Kolok town in southern Narathiwat province, resulting in 10 deaths and over 100 injuries. The recurrence of such incidents raises concerns about safety measures within the industry. Beyond the pyrotechnic industry, Thailand grapples with broader safety challenges, particularly in the construction sector. The nation has a lamentable safety record, and fatal accidents are regrettably frequent. (With inputs from agencies)

Explosion at Thai firework factory kills over 20, no survivors found

Two Russian missiles struck a residential area in the centre of Ukraine's second city Kharkiv on Tuesday, injuring 17 people, two of them seriously, and badly damaging homes, local officials said.

Rescue teams were sifting through piles of rubble to establish whether others were hurt. The city's mayor described two "powerful explosions" and said at least 10 dwellings had been damaged.

WATCH |&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin says Russia will 'intensify' attacks on Ukraine

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-president-vladimir-putin-says-russia-will-intensify-attacks-on-ukraine-676269/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ukraine's Emergency Services, writing on the Telegram messaging app, said one of the missiles had hit a three-storey building that had previously housed a medical centre.

Fires were extinguished in two buildings and residential and other buildings sustained damage.

Regional Police Chief Volodymyr Tymoshko told public broadcaster Suspilne that one of the missiles had hit a roadway.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-voronezh-declares-state-of-emergency-as-ukraine-drone-attack-injures-two-children-680554">Russia’s Voronezh declares state of emergency as Ukraine drone attack injures two children</a>

Emergency services posted online photos showing rescue teams poring over piles of smashed building materials, tackling fires, scrambling up ladders to damaged upper storeys and helping evacuees board minibuses.

Kharkiv Regional Governor Oleh Synehubov, writing on the Telegram messaging app, said 17 people had been injured. Fourteen were in hospital, including two women who were seriously hurt.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-unleashes-40-missiles-in-overnight-assault-ukraines-military-production-complex-hit-679628">Russia unleashes 40 missiles in overnight assault; Ukraine’s military production complex hit</a>

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov, also writing on Telegram, said the missiles struck "precisely where there is no military infrastructure and precisely where there are in fact residences."

"There are at least 10 damaged buildings. Rescue teams are continuing to go through the rubble. And there is plenty of rubble." 
 
Kharkiv, in Ukraine's northeast, has been a frequent target of attacks, but in the space of the nearly two-year-old conflict, the city has not fallen into Russian hands. Russian missiles hit a hotel in the city last week, injuring 11 people.

Two Russian missiles struck a residential area in the centre of Ukraine's second city Kharkiv on Tuesday, injuring 17 people, two of them seriously, and badly damaging homes, local officials said.

Two Russian missiles struck a residential area in the centre of Ukraine's second city Kharkiv on Tuesday, injuring 17 people, two of them seriously, and badly damaging homes, local officials said. Rescue teams were sifting through piles of rubble to establish whether others were hurt. The city's mayor described two "powerful explosions" and said at least 10 dwellings had been damaged. WATCH | Russian President Vladimir Putin says Russia will 'intensify' attacks on Ukraine Ukraine's Emergency Services, writing on the Telegram messaging app, said one of the missiles had hit a three-storey building that had previously housed a medical centre. Fires were extinguished in two buildings and residential and other buildings sustained damage. Regional Police Chief Volodymyr Tymoshko told public broadcaster Suspilne that one of the missiles had hit a roadway. ALSO READ | Russia’s Voronezh declares state of emergency as Ukraine drone attack injures two children Emergency services posted online photos showing rescue teams poring over piles of smashed building materials, tackling fires, scrambling up ladders to damaged upper storeys and helping evacuees board minibuses. Kharkiv Regional Governor Oleh Synehubov, writing on the Telegram messaging app, said 17 people had been injured. Fourteen were in hospital, including two women who were seriously hurt. ALSO READ | Russia unleashes 40 missiles in overnight assault; Ukraine’s military production complex hit Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov, also writing on Telegram, said the missiles struck "precisely where there is no military infrastructure and precisely where there are in fact residences." "There are at least 10 damaged buildings. Rescue teams are continuing to go through the rubble. And there is plenty of rubble." Kharkiv, in Ukraine's northeast, has been a frequent target of attacks, but in the space of the nearly two-year-old conflict, the city has not fallen into Russian hands. Russian missiles hit a hotel in the city last week, injuring 11 people.

At least 17 injured after Russian missiles hit Ukraine’s Kharkiv

The party nomination race for the US presidential election has now moved to the US state of New Hampshire. After a historic win in Iowa for US former president Donald Trump, the New Hampshire primary is set to take place on the 23rd of January.

Republican Presidency nominations race reach New Hampshire

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