Authorities in Ukraine on Tuesday confirmed that Russian attacks across the country have killed nine people in a fresh wave of strikes, as the conflict continues to intensify.
According to officials, explosions rocked several Ukrainian cities, including the capital, Kyiv, where residents were forced into underground shelters as air defence systems attempted to intercept incoming missiles and drones.
The strikes came just days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Moscow was preparing what he described as a “massive new strike.”
Deadly attacks hit Kyiv, Dnipro, Kharkiv
Authorities in Kyiv said Russia launched ballistic missile attacks on the city, triggering fires and causing power outages in multiple districts.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that four people were killed and at least 58 others injured, including two children.
“Explosions in the city. Air defence forces are working! Stay in shelters!” Mr Klitschko warned residents during the attack.
AFP journalists reported seeing residents rushing into shelters carrying blankets and bags while thick smoke rose above parts of the city centre.
The head of Kyiv’s City Military Administration, Tymur Tkachenko, said Russian forces used ballistic missiles during the assault.
In the eastern city of Dnipro, regional authorities confirmed that five people were killed and 25 others wounded, with three victims reportedly in critical condition.
Meanwhile, Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov said at least 10 people, including a child, were injured following additional Russian strikes.
Drone attacks extend into Russia
Russian authorities also reported attacks inside Russian territory.
According to Kursk regional governor Alexander Khinshtein, a Ukrainian drone strike killed one person in Russia’s Kursk region near the border.
Another drone attack reportedly triggered a fire at an oil refinery in Krasnodar, southwestern Russia.
The exchange of attacks highlights the growing intensity of cross-border strikes as both countries continue retaliatory operations.
Zelensky renews appeal for air defence support
Ahead of the latest attacks, President Zelensky warned Ukrainians to remain alert and follow air raid warnings.
“Please pay attention to air alerts, protect your lives. Our services are working efficiently and are prepared,” he stated.
Mr Zelensky has repeatedly appealed to Western allies, including the United States, for additional Patriot missile defence systems capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles.
Reports indicate that the Ukrainian leader recently wrote to Donald Trump and members of the U.S. Congress requesting more advanced air defence support.
Russia intensifies drone campaign
According to an AFP analysis based on Ukrainian Air Force data, Russia launched a record 8,150 long-range drones in Ukraine in May 2026 alone, a 24 per cent increase compared to April.
Despite the escalation, Ukrainian defence forces reportedly intercepted about 90 per cent of incoming drones and missiles during the month.
The war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, remains Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II, with peace negotiations still stalled amid continued fighting.
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