Kyiv endures a third bombardment in 5 days as Russia steps up targeting of Ukrainian cities

By ILLIA NOVIKOV
Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia has launched missiles against Kyiv for the third time in five days. It’s part of an apparent escalation of aerial bombardment of Ukrainian cities as the war stretches into its third year. The front line is largely stationary. Officials say nine people were injured in the morning strike on the the Ukrainian capital. Russia fired two ballistic missiles at Kyiv from occupied Crimea but city authorities say both were intercepted. Analysts say Russian President Vladimir Putin could use the recent deadly attack on a Moscow concert hall to shore up support for the war and as a pretext to escalate attacks on Ukraine. Russia missiles also targeted Odesa and other regions on Monday.