Russia steps up aerial strikes on Ukraine, killing at least 6 amid Kyiv counteroffensive

By JAMEY KEATEN
Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian officials say Russian forces fired cruise missiles at the southern city of Odesa overnight and shelling has destroyed homes in the eastern Donetsk region. At least six people were reported killed and more than a dozen injured in the overnight strikes. A Ukrainian military spokesman said Russian forces have stepped up aerial attacks in the nearly 16-month against Ukraine. In Odesa, the regional administration says a missile strike killed three food warehouse employees. In the east, Donetsk province’s governor said Wednesday at least three people died after shelling destroyed homes the cities of Kramatorsk and Konstantinovka. The latest strikes come as Ukraine’s military has reported limited gains in the early stages of a counteroffensive.