Russian attack on multiple Ukrainian cities leaves 12 dead

New Delhi, Dec 29: Russia has launched a series of attacks on various cities across Ukraine, resulting in at least twelve reported fatalities and numerous injuries.

The nationwide air alert was triggered as drones and missiles struck Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, and Lviv during the early hours of Friday morning.

The onslaught follows recent hostilities, including Ukraine's strike on a Russian warship in the Crimean port of Feodosiya. Widespread damage and casualties have been reported from Lviv in the west to Dnipro and Kharkiv in the east, Odesa in the south, and the capital Kyiv.

According to Yuriy Ihnat, Ukraine's Air Force spokesperson, Russia employed a mix of hypersonic, cruise, and ballistic missiles, including the elusive X-22 type, making interception challenging. Ihnat remarked, "We've never seen so many targets hit simultaneously."

Ukraine Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that Russia deliberately targeted social and critical infrastructure throughout Ukraine. In Kyiv, two fatalities and 17 injuries were reported in what local authorities described as "one of the most massive airstrikes on the territory of Ukraine."

The attack included striking a metro station serving as an air raid shelter, with fires breaking out in several warehouses and residential buildings.

The timing of the Russian assault coincides with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressing gratitude to the US for the recently approved $250 million (£195.7 million) military aid package, which encompassed air defence ammunition.

Andriy Yermak, a presidential aide, emphasised the urgent need for global support, stating on Telegram, "The world needs to see that we need more support and strength to stop this terror."

Earlier this week, Ukraine's military actions targeted the Black Sea port of Fedosiya in Crimea, resulting in damage to the large landing ship Novocherkassk. The intensification of hostilities raises concerns about the escalating conflict between the two nations which already has completed more than 22 months.