Twelve dead as Russian missiles hit cities across Ukraine

Russian air strikes have killed at least 12 people in cities across Ukraine, including the capital Kyiv. Ten people died in Uman, while a woman and her three-year-old daughter were killed in Dnipro. Explosions were also reported in Kremenchuk and Poltava. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for further international action against Russia and urged for global sanctions to be enhanced. The head of the Kyiv city military administration stated that it was the first Russian missile attack on the capital in 51 days. 

Ukraine’s air defence system managed to shoot down 21 out of 23 missiles and two attack drones. The attacks occurred as Ukrainian forces prepare for a military offensive with new equipment supplied by Western allies, while Russia has struggled to make headway in a winter offensive, including a 10-month battle for control of the strategically important city of Bakhmut.