Russia unleashed a series of deadly missile strikes across Ukrainian cities on Monday morning, including on the country's capital, Kyiv, where life had slowly returned to normal after the city went months without attacks.
It was the largest bombardment against Ukraine since the early days of Russia's invasion, according to The Associated Press, hitting at least 14 regions.
President Vladimir Putin said in televised remarks on Monday that the strikes were a response to the destruction of portions of the Kerch Strait Bridge, which connects Russia to the Crimean Peninsula. The 12-mile link acts as a critical supply line for Russia's military.
Ukrainian officials did not claim responsibility for the bridge blast, according to Reuters.
Putin called the incident a "terrorist act" and vowed that further threats would be returned with a "tough and proportionate" response. Ukraine's minister of foreign affairs, Dmytro Kuleba, disputed Putin's claim that the attack was provoked.
"Putin is a terrorist who talks with missiles," Kuleba wrote in a tweet.
Photos provide a glimpse of the aftermath of Russia's latest strike.
Busy intersections, buildings, and homes were destroyed or turned to rubble, and thousands of people were left without power. At least 14 people were killed and 97 were injured, according to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.