Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine early Tuesday with hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, killing at least 13 people after threatening a large-scale assault and urging foreign nationals to leave Kyiv.
Authorities in the Ukrainian capital had been sounding the alarm that Russia was preparing another massive barrage, the latest in a string of deadly strikes that have escalated the four-year war and dented already slim hopes for peace.
Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalists in the capital reported air raid sirens wailing over the city before a series of loud explosions that lasted throughout the night sent residents with bags and blankets rushing to shelter in crowded metro stations.
Ukraine's foreign minister said the latest Russian attack was a sign of Russian desperation, that President Vladimir Putin was bombing civilians since his forces were struggling on the battlefield.
"Putin is a war criminal and loser, who has no cards except terror. Moscow is losing on the battlefield. No number of missiles can change this," Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said in a statement on social media.
