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Russia slammed Ukraine with a double wave of missiles on Saturday, forcing civilians to dodge for cover mere hours after morning strikes pummeled critical infrastructure in Kyiv and the eastern city of Kharkiv.
The stepped-up assault came as the United Kingdom pledged to send tanks to Ukraine.
Ukraine authorities said its air defenses were trying to shoot down incoming missiles, but the country’s public broadcaster Suspilne reported explosions were still loudly heard in the central Vinnytsia region.
Russia, which invaded last February, has been pounding Ukraine’s energy infrastructure with missiles and drones since October, causing sweeping blackouts and disruptions to central heating and running water as winter chills the air.
The second attack Saturday occurred just hours after blasts were reported in Kyiv prior to air raid sirens sounding, which is highly unusual. The extent of any damage or casualties in the second wave was not yet clear.
No injuries were reported during the first wave, but missile debris caused fires and damaged apartment buildings and other homes outside the capital, officials said.
