Russia and Ukraine have traded air strikes, after a week of intensifying rhetoric in which Russia tested a new missile on Ukraine. Russia has made close to 1,500 strikes on Ukraine since Sunday evening on about half of the country's regions causing dozens of injuries, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

A swarm of explosive drones bound for Kyiv and other targets interrupted a weeks-long lull in the Ukrainian capital, adding to its darkening mood.

Ukrainian authorities said that at least 19 people were injured and 41 buildings damaged by a Russian missile strike in the northeastern city of Kharkiv.

The escalatory attack comes after Ukraine reportedly used US and UK long range missiles to strike targets inside Russia

At least 23 people have been injured in missile strikes on Kharkiv and Odesa, as Vladimir Putin’s forces launched one of their largest drone attacks since invading Ukraine.Kyiv’s military said its air defences shot down 71 of 145 drones launched by Russia at targets across Ukraine,

The Rostov region in Russia may be the next target of Ukrainian missile attacks, reports "The Wall Street Journal". This region is a key strategic point for Russian forces. Russian airports and ammunition depots are at risk following Ukraine's receipt of permission to attack targets within Russia.