Russia launched an intense missile and drone barrage at the Ukrainian capital Kyiv in the early hours of Friday, killing at least six people, Ukrainian officials said, as powerful explosions reverberated across the country.

Russia launched a barrage of drones and ballistic missiles across broad swaths of Ukraine early Friday, killing at least six people and injuring dozens of others, days after Kyiv launched a daring raid on Moscow’s fleet of strategic bombers.

Russia Ukraine war intensified after Moscow went for fierce attacks in Kyiv and other parts of the war-torn country.

The readout of the pope's call with Vladimir Putin was unusual for the Vatican, which does not always issue statements about papal phone calls.

Kyiv’s attack on the country’s bomber fleet appeared designed to show Russia’s leader that continuing the war carries big risks for Moscow.