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Russia has ramped up its air attacks on Ukraine, launching a massive overnight assault on the country’s two largest cities, Kyiv and Kharkiv. This escalation comes just a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed “revenge” for an attack on Belgorod, marking a return to tactics aimed at crippling Ukrainian infrastructure and increasing civilian casualties.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, they targeted “all ‘military-industrial’ installations.” In retaliation, Ukraine launched missiles towards Belgorod, all intercepted by Russian forces.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the recent assaults had resulted in four deaths and at least 92 injuries. He added, “Russia will answer for every life taken away.” The attacks, particularly in Kyiv, disrupted the city during peak hours, leaving parts without electricity and mobile connections.

The recent surge in hostilities reflects a growing increase in the war’s intensity. In his New Year’s speech, Zelenskyy promised to bolster Ukraine’s arsenal, including the production of drones, emphasizing the “wrath” Russia will face.