Russia strikes 9 Ukrainian regions as a new report shows a spike in civilian casualties

Russian aerial strikes hit nine Ukrainian regions, knocking out power to hundreds of thousands of households and wounding at least 15 people, according to officials. The attacks targeted civilian areas as the bitter winter approaches and Russia escalates its aerial campaign.

The latest military strikes coincide with a new report revealing a steep spike in civilian casualties resulting from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

At the same time, growing fears have emerged regarding a sharp deterioration in relations between Ukraine and the United States, raising concerns that political strain between Kyiv and Washington could leave Ukraine further exposed to ongoing Russian assaults.