LATEST: Russia intensifies fighting in suburbs of Kiev

The latest developments in Russia's war in Ukraine:

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KIEV, Ukraine — A cloud of smoke rises over western Kiev after shrapnel from an artillery shell hits a 12-story apartment building in the center of the Ukrainian capital, destroying the top floor and causing a fire, according to a statement and images distributed by the city's emergency agency.

The neighbouring property was also damaged by the attack on Wednesday morning. The agency reported two victims but did not provide further details.

Russian forces have intensified fighting in the suburbs of Kiev, especially around Bucha in the northwest, and on the highway heading west to Zhytomyr, regional government chief Oleksiy Kuleba said Wednesday.

According to the official, Moscow troops are trying to cut Kiev's transport arteries and destroy logistics capabilities while planning a large-scale attack to seize the capital.

Twelve towns around Kiev do not have water and in six there is no heating.

Russia has occupied the city of Ivankiv, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Kiev, and controls the neighbouring region on the border with Belarus, Kuleba said.

Throughout the Kiev region, “kindergartens, museums, churches, residential blocks and engineering infrastructures are under relentless attack,” he added.