Russian strikes hit Ukrainian cities as Kyiv faces domestic political pressure

Widespread Russian air attacks have struck multiple Ukrainian regions, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, and Chernihiv. An overnight strike hit an ammunition depot near Kyiv, triggering secondary explosions near residential areas that left at least 37 people dead, while a missile attack in Kharkiv killed ten. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed retaliatory action and criticized the storage of explosive materials close to housing.

Following the attacks, Ukrainian forces launched drone strikes targeting Moscow.

The military escalation coincides with domestic political developments in Kyiv. Ukraine's parliament prepared to vote on appointing Yevhenii Khmara as defense minister amid anti-corruption operations. Concurrently, dismissed former official Mykhailo Fedorov called for new elections, stating that "democracy cannot be hostage to Russia."

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica.