Russia Launches Major Missile and Drone Attack on Ukrainian Cities

Russia launched a large wave of missile and drone attacks on several Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Dnipro and Kharkiv, overnight into Tuesday. At least nine people were killed and more than 60 injured, Ukrainian authorities said.

The strikes came days after Kyiv warned that Moscow was preparing a major operation against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.

The heaviest toll was reported in Dnipro, where five people were killed and 25 others injured. In Kyiv, at least four residents died and more than 50 people, including children, were wounded. One missile hit a 24-storey apartment block, causing part of the building to collapse, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. Rescuers were searching for possible victims under the rubble.

Thousands of residents of the Ukrainian capital took shelter in metro stations during the attack. Damage was also reported in other cities, including Kharkiv, where a child was among those injured.

Before the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had warned that intelligence reports pointed to a large-scale Russian operation. Moscow last week announced “systematic strikes” on military and decision-making centers in Ukraine. Attacks were also reported on Russian territory, including a fire at a refinery in Krasnodar region after a drone strike.

(reuters, max)