Russia launches fresh wave of strikes on civilian areas across Ukraine

Moscow appears to step up spring offensive amid concerns international focus on Iran war leaves Kyiv more vulnerable

Russia has launched a fresh wave of missile and drone strikes on civilian areas across Ukraine, killing at least five people, as Moscow appears to be stepping up a spring offensive intended to break Ukrainian resistance along the front.

Moscow fired nearly 400 long-range drones and 23 cruise missiles overnight, Ukraine’s air force said, marking one of the largest attacks in weeks after a relative lull.