Russian forces launched what Ukrainian officials described as the most intense wave of missile attacks so far this year on Ukraine’s two largest cities early on Tuesday, killing at least four people in the northeastern city of Kharkiv.

Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov said the fatalities occurred when missiles struck the outskirts of Kharkiv, about 30 kilometres from the Russian border. Six others were injured. Kharkiv has been a frequent target of Russian strikes since the start of the war.

In the capital Kyiv, the head of the city’s military administration, Tymur Tkachenko, said the city came under a short but intense missile attack overnight.

Reuters witnesses reported hearing multiple explosions, though there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

Ukrainian Telegram channels that monitor air activity said around 20 ballistic missiles were launched within roughly an hour, describing the barrage as the most sustained attack of the year so far.

Reuters was unable to independently verify those reports, and Ukraine’s armed forces did not immediately comment on the full scale of the strikes.

There was no immediate response from Russia regarding the attacks.

Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian cities with missiles and drones since launching its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

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The strikes have frequently hit energy infrastructure, leaving millions without electricity and heating during winter months, while Ukraine’s air defences remain under heavy strain.

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