At least four civilians have been killed and more than a dozen wounded in a wave of Russian missile strikes across Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv and Dnipro, as Vladimir Putin intensifies his air war two years into the invasion. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attacks as a "barbaric assault on innocent life" and reiterated the UK's unwavering support for Ukraine.
The strikes, which began at dawn on Monday, targeted residential buildings, a shopping centre and a university dormitory. In Kharkiv, a missile struck a nine-storey apartment block, killing two people and trapping others under rubble. In Dnipro, a shopping mall was hit, leaving one dead and several injured. A third victim died in a residential area of the capital.
The Ukrainian Air Force said it intercepted 34 of 75 missiles launched by Russian forces. However, those that got through caused significant damage. Emergency services continue to search for survivors.
Britain's condemnation was swift. Sir Keir, speaking outside Downing Street, said the attacks were "a stark reminder of the evil we face in Europe". The Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, described the strikes as "yet another violation of international humanitarian law". He called on allies to accelerate delivery of air defence systems to Ukraine.
The latest attacks come as Ukraine awaits the arrival of F-16 fighter jets donated by Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway. The jets are expected to arrive in the coming weeks, but Western officials caution they will not be a "silver bullet".
Russia's defence ministry said the strikes targeted "decision-making centres" of Ukraine's military and energy infrastructure. Independent verification of battlefield claims is difficult.
The United Nations condemned the attacks. The UN humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine, Denise Brown, said the strikes were "deeply shocking" and reiterated the obligation to spare civilians.
As rescue operations continue, the international community watches with growing alarm. The war shows no sign of abating. Putin appears determined to escalate, even as Western powers strengthen their support for Kyiv.
