Ukraine came under a fresh wave of Russian missile and drone attacks early Tuesday, leaving at least nine people dead and dozens injured across several cities, according to Ukrainian authorities.
Read More: Russia unleashes massive missile and drone assault on Ukraine
The strikes targeted major urban centres, including Kyiv, Dnipro and Kharkiv, just days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia was preparing a large-scale assault. The latest bombardment underscores the continuing intensity of the conflict, which has entered its fifth year with no breakthrough in peace negotiations.
In Kyiv, multiple explosions were reported overnight as air defence systems attempted to intercept incoming missiles and drones. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said four people were killed and at least 58 others, including two children, were injured in what he described as a “mass enemy attack.” Fires broke out in several districts, while power disruptions were reported in parts of the capital.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as residents rushed to underground shelters carrying essential belongings. Ukrainian military officials said Russia used ballistic missiles in addition to drones during the attack.
The southeastern city of Dnipro was also hit hard, with local authorities reporting five deaths and 25 injuries. Three of the wounded were said to be in critical condition. In Kharkiv, officials said 10 people, including a child, were injured during separate missile and drone strikes.
Meanwhile, Russia reported casualties from Ukrainian attacks. Authorities in the Kursk region said a Ukrainian drone strike killed one person near the border. A separate drone attack sparked a fire at an oil refinery in Russia’s Krasnodar region.
Read More: Russia targets Ukrainian infrastructure in assault
President Zelensky has repeatedly urged Western allies to provide additional air defence systems, particularly Patriot missiles, to counter intensifying Russian attacks. According to Ukrainian data, Russia launched a record number of long-range drones in May, while Ukraine claims its air defences intercepted the vast majority of incoming threats.
The latest attacks highlight the escalating military confrontation as diplomatic efforts to end the war remain stalled.