Russian forces launched the most intensive wave of missile attacks on Ukraine so far this year, striking the country’s two largest cities early on Tuesday, Ukrainian officials and media reported. At least four people were killed in the northeastern city of Kharkiv, while Kyiv also came under heavy fire.
The head of Kyiv’s military administration, Timur Tkachenko, said the capital was subjected to a short but highly intense missile assault.
“Kyiv experienced a brief yet concentrated missile attack,” Tkachenko stated.
Reuters witnesses reported hearing multiple explosions in the capital, although there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage in Kyiv.
Telegram channels monitoring the war said around 20 ballistic missiles were launched overnight within approximately one hour, describing it as the longest and most intense missile assault on Ukraine this year. Reuters could not independently verify these claims.
Ukraine’s armed forces did not immediately comment on the full scale of the attack, and Russia also issued no immediate response regarding the strikes.
In Kharkiv, located about 30 kilometers from the Russian border and frequently targeted since the start of the war, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said four people were killed in an airstrike on the outskirts of the city, while six others were injured.
Since the start of its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has repeatedly launched missiles and drones against Ukrainian cities, often targeting energy infrastructure. These attacks have left millions without electricity and heating during winter, while Ukraine’s air defenses remain under extreme pressure in intercepting ongoing strikes.
