KYIV: At least 10 people have been killed in a massive Russian aerial attack targeting multiple cities across Ukraine, in what is being described as one of the largest assaults in recent months, according to the BBC.

The strikes, carried out early Tuesday, hit several urban centers including the capital, Kyiv. Dozens of people, including children, were injured in the attacks. Residential buildings were damaged or destroyed, and emergency crews are continuing search-and-rescue operations amid fears that people may still be trapped beneath the rubble in Kyiv.

Air raid alerts were issued across most regions of Ukraine early Tuesday as missiles and drones targeted various parts of the country.

The latest attack comes weeks after a drone strike on a dormitory in the Russian-controlled Luhansk region reportedly killed 21 people. Following that incident, Moscow had warned of retaliatory action against Ukraine.

Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising over central Kyiv after the strikes, highlighting the scale of the damage caused by the bombardment. Authorities are still assessing the full extent of casualties and destruction.