Ukrainian officials say Russia has launched massive missile strikes across Ukraine causing power and water outages. A series of blasts have also been heard in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. Witnesses say they heard at least five explosions. This as Ukraine is also reporting fierce fighting in the country’s east. In his nightly address, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian troops repelled the latest Russian attacks in the Donetsk region. Fighting has been centered around the strategically important towns of Bakhmut and Avdiivka, which Russian forces have been trying to capture for weeks.The UN says Turkey and Ukraine have agreed on a plan to move on 16 grain ships in Turkish waters. Dozens of vessels loaded with grain are awaiting inspection for onward passage. Russia has pulled out of a deal allowing Ukrainian grain to be exported through the Black Sea.Russia’s war on Ukraine has changed the lives of practically everyone in the country. In some areas, it’s speeding up the pace of social change. Only a few years ago, women were barred from certain jobs, like driving a train. But now, more women are taking on new roles, and are facing the same dangers as men.
