Missile strikes right across the war-torn nation are a clear escalation in the conflict. 14 people were killed and dozens more injured as weapons of mass destruction rained down on Ukraine’s major cities

It is the first time the nation’s capital, Kyiv has been targeted in months.

Several regions were left without power or water after the strikes as emergency services work around the clock to survey the damage and provide assistance.

But Ukrainian front-line troops say the morale remains high.

Defiant as ever, Zelensky addresses his battered but unbroken nation from the site of Russia’s attack on Kyiv.

“Restoration work is currently underway across the country.”

“Of 84 Russian missiles launched against Ukraine, 43 were shot down. Out of 24 drones, 13 were shot down.” pic.twitter.com/XkiIkcvKo3

— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) October 10, 2022

Putin’s revenge

Russian President Vladimir Putin says these recent attacks are a direct response to what he labels a ‘terrorist attack’ on the key bridge connecting Russia with annexed-Crimea.

In neighbouring Belarus, the country’s leader Alexander Lukashenko has mobilised his troops near Ukraine and ordered them to fight with Russian forces.

Lukashenko is claiming his nation is next in the firing line, stating Ukraine and NATO are standing by to launch an attack on his country.

He has offered no evidence to substantiate these claims.

https://twitter.com/ukraine_world/status/1579432814696890368?s=20&t=ICdr3TqSCMtWTav4QgqeCQ

“Profound moral issues”

In the United States, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has issued a statement on the missile strikes.

He says the attacks serve as a reminder that Russia’s war “presents a profound moral issue”.

He continues, adding, “no person of conscience – and no country of principle – could be unmoved by the devastation of these horrors”.

The U.S. has confirmed it will continue to provide all kinds of assistance “so Ukraine can defend itself and take care of its people”.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says these recent attacks are a clear demonstration of Moscow’s motives.