Russian missiles cause injuries and damage in attacks in kyiv and Kharkiv

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KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A complex Russian missile attack hit the Ukrainian cities of kyiv and Kharkiv early Tuesday, causing several injuries and damaging residential buildings, according to officials.

At least seven people were injured in the capital, kyiv, including a 13-year-old teenager, said its mayor, Vitalii Klitschko.

In Kharkiv, the country’s second largest city, an entire section of a multi-story residential building was destroyed, trapping an unknown number of people, said councilor Ihor Terekhov.

Recent Russian attacks have sought to find holes in Ukrainian defenses using large numbers of missiles and drones in an apparent attempt to overwhelm air defense systems.

Massive bombing — more than 500 drones and missiles were launched between December 29 and January 2, according to authorities in kyiv — are also depleting Ukrainian arsenals.

Tuesday’s attack came a day after Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s visit to Ukraine, in which he promised to maintain support for the country in the face of the Russian invasion that began almost two years ago and announced a new package of military aid that includes a loan to buy larger weapons and a commitment to find ways to jointly manufacture them.

After meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Tusk said they had reached “an understanding” to resolve any differences over grain shipping and road transport through dialogue. These issues had recently strained the relationship between the neighbors.

kyiv’s allies have sought to reaffirm commitment to its long-term defense amid concerns that Western support could be waning. The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, and the Foreign Minister of France have also visited the country so far this year.

Tusk described the war as a broader battle between Europe and Russia, with repercussions beyond Ukraine, making it a priority for Poland.

“Today, Ukraine is shouldering the security issues of the entire European continent, today Ukraine is paying an enormous price in blood for values ​​that are fundamental for the free world,” he commented. “Poland’s security is also at risk in this fight.”

Zelenskyy noted that the discussions had been “very productive” and said Poland’s new military aid will include a loan that will allow Ukraine to acquire major weapons. They also evaluated opportunities for joint weapons production, he added, in line with similar talks with other allies.

On Sunday, Moscow-appointed officials in eastern Ukraine reported that Ukrainian shelling killed at least 27 people on the outskirts of the city of Donetsk, occupied by Russian troops. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the incident as “a monstrous terrorist act” and Russian-appointed local authorities declared a day of mourning.

The Ukrainian military, for its part, denied involvement in the attack.

It was not immediately possible to verify the claims from either side.