Ukraine news latest — Russia launches barbaric missile strike on Kyiv as Putin purges frayed Kremlin inner-circle

RUSSIAN air strikes have hit cities across Ukraine including the capital Kyiv during the early hours of the morning killing at least five people. It comes as Russia’s paranoid dictator has axed the infamous “Butcher of Mariupol” from his role as deputy defence minister, according to Russian media. Colonel-General Mikhail Mizintsev, who was known as a “Putin favourite”, rose to infamy after Russia’s brutal destruction of the city of Mariupol during the on-going war in Ukraine. Mikhail Mizintsev only replaced General Dmitry Bulgakov seven months ago in September, but now becomes the latest victim of Putin’s Kremlin purges. Announcing the news, Russian state TV military correspondent Alexander Sladkov said the reason for the sacking was “difficult to guess”, amid mounting speculation there may be wider changes among Putin’s top brass. Read our Ukraine war blog below for the latest news…