Ukraine Under Fire: Russia's Relentless Missile Assault Escalates!

YIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine faced renewed missile attacks from Russia on Monday, with Kyiv being targeted for the third time in five days alongside other regions. 

This marked an escalation in Russia's aerial bombardment of Ukrainian cities, despite a largely static front line in the ongoing war. 

The Ukraine Rescue Service reported nine injuries in the morning strike on the capital, with the Pecherskyi district suffering the most damage. 

Missile debris damaged homes in two districts and a local college gym in another, according to Ukraine’s National Police.

The missiles fired at Kyiv from occupied Crimea during the daylight attack were intercepted above the city, according to Serhii Popko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration. 

Later in the day, Ukrainian news outlets reported at least two explosions in the southern city of Odesa as Russian missile strikes targeted several other regions. 

However, there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage in Odesa.

Thursday saw Russia attack Kyiv for the first time in six weeks, firing more than two dozen missiles before dawn. 

The following day, Russia unleashed a massive attack against Ukraine’s energy sector in retaliation for recent strikes on Russian soil.

The bombardment of Kyiv came just three days after a concert hall attack in Russia that killed more than 130 people. Russian President Vladimir Putin attempted to link the attack to Ukraine, despite an affiliate of the Islamic State group claiming responsibility. 

Analysts suggested that Putin could use the Moscow attack to bolster support for the war and as a pretext to escalate attacks on Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed his appeal for Western partners to provide more air defense systems to protect against the ongoing attacks. 

"We never tire of repeating that Ukraine needs more air defense,” he said. 

“This is security for our cities and saves human lives.”