Russian air strikes kill six in Ukrainian cities

Mayor Ihor Terekhov of Kharkiv told local television that rescue workers were searching through rubble for survivors, noting that 30 apartment buildings were damaged in the early-morning strikes.

A gas pipeline in Kharkiv also suffered damage, according to state energy firm Naftogaz. The energy ministry reported that thousands of residents were left without power due to damaged electricity infrastructure.

In Kyiv, air defense sirens disrupted the morning calm. Officials reported that up to 22 people, including three children, were wounded in at least three districts. Several residential and non-residential buildings caught fire. At one site, rescuers attended to victims amidst debris and shattered glass. "There was a very loud bang," recounted 21-year-old resident Daniel Boliukh. "We saw buildings on fire from our balcony."

Some of the damage in Kyiv occurred near the United Nations office, noted resident coordinator Denise Brown.

Since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has regularly targeted cities and civilian infrastructure. Ukrainian forces are contending with attacks along the eastern front, with Russia seeking to gain the upper hand, Ukraine's military says.

Tuesday's strikes also claimed a life in Pavlohrad, southeastern Ukraine, as per the regional governor. The Ukrainian air force reported shooting down 21 of 41 missiles fired by Russia, with nearly 20 intercepted over Kyiv. Ukrainian General Serhiy Naiev shared a video purportedly showing air defense forces downing a Russian missile.

As Kyiv urges its Western partners for more advanced air defense systems, Moscow's forces have increasingly used a mix of air- and land-based missiles, challenging Ukraine's defense capabilities. "This terror can only be stopped by force," wrote Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine's presidential administration, on Telegram.

Officials in the northern region of Sumy also reported a missile strike damaging critical infrastructure in the city of Shostka. The Russian defense ministry claimed it targeted facilities producing missiles, explosives, and ammunition.