Five individuals were killed and 20 others injured in fresh Russian ballistic missile attacks targeting Kyiv and major Ukrainian cities. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced an escalation of strikes on deep Russian territories.
Zaporizhzhia's military governor, Ivan Fedorov, reported on Telegram early Tuesday that industrial and infrastructure facilities were targeted in the southern city, resulting in casualties.
In Kyiv, early reports indicated one injury, and Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed explosions in the city, urging residents to remain in shelters as emergency crews were deployed.
The "Kyiv Independent" noted the new missile strikes from Russia, while Ukraine's air force warned of ballistic missiles heading towards Sumy, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv.
Zelenskyy Vows Deeper Strikes
The attack followed Zelenskyy's declaration of increased strikes on deep Russian targets after Kyiv confirmed an attack on a Russian oil sector in Tyumen, Siberia.
In his Monday night address, Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's commitment to attacking targets deep within Russia to demonstrate to Moscow the necessity of achieving peace.
The Ukrainian president reiterated warnings about the military support Russia receives from North Korea, alleging Moscow received additional ballistic missiles from Pyongyang and is preparing to receive more North Korean soldiers, without providing evidence.
He claimed joint developments in North Korean weapons with Russia pose a threat to Asian nations.
Early in the week, Zelenskyy suggested Russia might receive up to 50,000 North Korean troops to support its war in Ukraine, exceeding previous estimates.
Ukraine Faces Missile Interception Shortage
Ukraine is experiencing a shortage of intercept missiles for air defense systems after more than four years of conflict, allowing Russia to intensify ballistic missile usage against Kyiv and other cities.
The American Patriot systems are among the most effective for countering ballistic missiles, noted for their high-speed interception difficulty.
While Ukraine possesses several Patriot systems, it lacks sufficient intercept missiles.
Kyiv officials express concern that Russia could inflict significant infrastructure damage through missile attacks during the coming winter, potentially worsening living conditions for millions of Ukrainians.