(Reuters) – Russia launched an intense missile and drone barrage at the Ukrainian capital Kyiv in the early hours of Friday and three people were killed, Ukrainian officials said, as powerful explosions reverberated across the country.

The attacks followed a warning from Russian President Vladimir Putin, conveyed via U.S. President Donald Trump, that the Kremlin would hit back after Ukrainian drones destroyed several strategic bomber aircraft in attacks deep inside Russia.

Kyiv’s military administration said three people were killed in the missile and drone salvo against the capital. They were first responders who had rushed to the scene of one of the strikes, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said.

“Overnight, Russia ‘responded’ to its destroyed aircraft… by attacking civilians in Ukrain

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