Russia unleashed a barrage of devastating airstrikes on cities throughout Ukraine on Monday, striking the core of the capital of Kyiv, which killed and hurt many civilians and damaged important infrastructure.

Missiles plowed into rush-hour congestion and smashed into power stations in cities across Ukraine, from Lviv in the west to Kharkiv in the northeast, in retribution for an explosion that destroyed a critical bridge linking Russia to the occupied Crimean Peninsula on Saturday, NBC News reported.

In a televised speech, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that his country's military had carried out a "massive" Russian missile attacks Ukraine's power, military, and communication infrastructures.

Vladimir Putin also ordered his security council to carry out retribution for what the Russian head of state branded as Ukraine's "terrorist" procedures, which included the blasting of the Kerch bridge.

Putin directly blamed Ukraine's special services for the attack, but Kyiv has not taken responsibility for the incident.

The Russian leader threatened that if terrorist strikes were attempted in the future, Russia's countermeasures would be "tough" and would match in magnitude to the severity of threats made to Russia.

Russian Retaliation for Crimean Bridge Explosion

The strikes were a surprise escalation that demonstrated Moscow still could scare Ukraine's populace, after a string of embarrassing failures in the Russia-Ukraine war that increased pressure on Putin.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other authorities have pointed the finger at Russia for the blasts that have rocked Kyiv and the surrounding area after a period of relative tranquillity. Kyiv authorities reported at least five deaths and 32 injuries.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy alleged in a video that Russian missiles and drones have targeted Ukrainian cities, killing citizens and damaging energy infrastructure across the nation.

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He accused Moscow of planning to spread "panic and chaos" and to cause "as much damage as possible" across Ukraine.

The world once again saw the true face of a terrorist state that is killing our people. On the battlefield & in peaceful cities. A country that covers its true bloody essence & goal with talks about peace. It proves that the liberation of 🇺🇦 is the only basis of peace & security. pic.twitter.com/U08lD1POE9

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 10, 2022

According to a report from DW, Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has warned his country's citizens to brace for momentary disruptions in the delivery of power and water services after eleven "significant facilities were destroyed across eight districts and the capital.

Zelensky To Meet with G7 Leaders

Following Russia's missile attacks on Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted his agreement with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's call for an emergency meeting of the Group of Seven (G7) leaders.

German officials denounced the violence on Monday and pledged to keep standing with Ukraine following the Russian missile attacks.

According to a spokesperson, Zelenskyy will be participating in a G7 video conference on Tuesday, per Al Jazeera.

The Ukrainian leader claims he will confront Russian aggression, increase pressure on Moscow, and seek help to repair destroyed infrastructure.

During a phone chat between the two heads of state, President Macron pledged to boost military funding for Ukraine.

According to Macron's office, the French leader expressed his "deep concern" over the deadly missile attacks on civilians and reaffirmed "complete support" for Ukraine, including "military equipment" aid.

In response to Russia's missile attacks, Zelenskyy claimed he and Macron had discussed the "need for a tough European and international reaction" in a Twitter post.

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