RUSSIAN strikes hit the Ukrainian capital Kiev and other cities today, killing at least seven people and damaging energy infrastructure, according to the United Nations.

The attack included more than 40 ballistic, cruise, anti-aircraft and guided missiles, officials reported, in what the UN said appeared to be the heaviest bombardment since early January when hundreds of Ukrainian and Russian civilians were killed or wounded in mutual shelling.

Ukraine’s air force, whose defences include Western-supplied systems, said that it intercepted 21 of the missiles.

At least 57 people were injured in the eastern city of Kharkiv and rescue workers continued to search under rubble as the Morning Star went to print.

The attacks damaged a gas pipeline and thousands were left without power after electricity infrastructure was damaged, authorities said.

Resident Natalia told the BBC: “My house shook. It was all very loud. There were explosions, then another 10 seconds — and another bang.

“Many people are without power and heating. Other than fear and hatred, at this moment I feel nothing.”

In Kiev, emergency services said that at least 22 people, including four children, had been wounded and apartment buildings and medical and educational institutions were damaged.

Elsewhere in the city, residents left their bomb shelters after the attack and went about their morning as usual.

Russia has repeatedly said that its military does not target civilians during its offensive in Ukraine.

The bombardment was “an alarming reversal” of a trend last year that saw a drop in civilian casualties from Kremlin attacks, the UN said.

More than 10,000 civilians have been killed and nearly 20,000 injured since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, according to the body.

The attack came as Nato signed a $1.2 billion (£948 million) contract to make tens of thousands of artillery rounds to replenish the stocks of its member countries after they provided Ukraine with ammunition.

“This is important to defend our own territory, to build up our own stocks, but also to continue to support Ukraine,” Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg told reporters.

The Nato chief has warned allies to be ready for “bad news” from Ukraine following its failed counter-offensive last year, but insists the West should maintain the flow of arms.