Heavy Russian missile attacks hit Ukraine’s 2 largest cities

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine’s two largest cities were hit by heavy Russian missile attacks Tuesday, killing one person and injuring dozens.

Kharkiv region governor Oleh Sinihubov said one person was killed and 41 injured in Russian missile attacks on Kharkiv city center and other areas. In the capital Kyiv, five areas of the city were affected in the attacks and at least 12 people were injured, according to Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko.

The siege of the cities continues Russia’s escalating attacks on Ukraine in recent days that began on Friday The largest single attack on Ukraine At least 41 civilians have been killed since the war began.

The attack on Belgorod was one of the deadliest attacks on Russian soil since Moscow began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than 22 months ago. Russian officials said the death toll as of Monday was 25, including five children.

Cities in western Russia are regularly hit by Drone strikes Since May, however, Ukrainian officials have never accepted responsibility for attacks on Russian territory or the Crimean peninsula.

Putin on Monday described the attack on Belgorod as a “terrorist act”, saying, “They want to intimidate us and create uncertainty within our country. We will intensify attacks. Not a single crime against our civilian population will be spared.” “

Putin accused Western countries of using Ukraine to try to “put Russia in its place.” Vowing retaliation, he insisted that Russia would only target military infrastructure in Ukraine.

However, Ukraine reports civilian casualties from daily Russian attacks, which hit apartment buildings, shopping centers and residential areas in small communities.

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