A major power plant near Kyiv was completely destroyed by Russian strikes early on Thursday, energy company Centrenergo said.

Trypillya power plant was the largest electricity provider for three regions, including Kyiv, officials said.

Russia has long been deliberately and systematically targeting Ukraine's energy system.

President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia had been "obliged to respond" to the strikes on Ukrainian energy sites following Kyiv's attacks on Russian targets.

Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/1rbfUog

Read more on the BBC News website: https://bbc.in/3vOsfe4

#Ukraine #Russia #BBCNews