Russia has launched a devastating series of deadly assaults on Ukraine, resulting in at least 11 casualties and widespread destruction in major cities. President Vladimir Putin’s forces deployed 73 missiles and 656 drones targeting Kyiv, Dnipro, Poltava, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia. The attacks, marked as one of Moscow’s largest offensives in recent months, left numerous people injured, including children.

Authorities reported air sirens blaring in affected areas, with Ukrainian air defense forces successfully intercepting 40 missiles and neutralizing 602 drones. The onslaught followed Moscow’s announcement of forthcoming “systematic strikes” in retaliation for an alleged attack on a student dormitory by Kyiv, claiming 21 lives in Eastern Ukraine last week.

Russia asserted that the recent assault was a response to Ukrainian “terrorist acts” on Russian targets, including military installations. The Russian defense ministry stated that the operation involved a significant strike utilizing precise long-range air, land, and sea-based weaponry.

The aftermath of the attacks depicted scenes of devastation, with residential structures and businesses engulfed in flames as civilians navigated through debris in Ukraine. In Kyiv, four individuals perished, 63 sustained injuries, and around 140,000 residents were left without power. Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported a blaze at a nine-story apartment building caused by falling missile debris, resulting in multiple fires and damage across the area.

In Dnipro, six fatalities and 36 injuries were recorded following Russian strikes, with an additional attack claiming the life of an emergency responder. Meanwhile, in Kharkiv, 14 individuals were wounded, and residential properties were damaged by missile and drone strikes, leaving people trapped under rubble.

Among the affected, Olena Dniprovska and her husband sustained injuries in their Kyiv apartment during the onslaught, describing the harrowing experience of their home being destroyed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a warning of a potential “massive” strike from Russia, emphasizing the readiness of Ukrainian defenders to face any aggression.

The situation remains tense as Ukraine grapples with the aftermath of these devastating attacks, further escalating the already volatile conflict between the two nations.