In a recent wave of missile strikes, Russia's heavy bomber fleet launched an attack on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and central regions, according to British intelligence officials. The strikes, carried out on the night of December 7, caused minimal damage, marking the first such attack since September 21 this year.

As Moscow aims to gain a strategic advantage over Kyiv, they have pushed further into eastern areas of Ukraine in recent days, intensifying their offensive ahead of Russia's presidential election in March next year.

According to the British Ministry of Defence's latest intelligence update, posted on December 10, Russia has been stockpiling missiles for its winter campaign. The update revealed that at least 16 air-launched cruise missiles were fired by Russian aircraft, most likely Tu-95 BEAR H, from their operating area over the Caspian Sea.

Initial reports indicate that Ukrainian air defense successfully intercepted the majority of these missiles, although one civilian casualty was reported. Despite this tragic incident, the overall damage caused by the strikes was minimal.

Newsweek has reached out to both the Russian and Ukrainian Defense Ministries for comments regarding the missile strikes.

Meanwhile, in eastern Ukraine, Kyiv's forces have also faced heavy airstrikes from the Russian military. General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine spokesperson Petro Gasai revealed that during the past day, there were 60 combat clashes and multiple rocket and airstrikes.

The Russian terrorist attacks have resulted in casualties among the civilian population and have caused destruction and damage to private residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure. Approximately 120 settlements in eastern and southern Ukraine have been under heavy artillery fire.

An Institute for the Study of War (ISW) report, published on December 9, highlighted that Russian forces have been making a concerted effort to regain the initiative in eastern Ukraine, despite the most challenging weather conditions in the region.

Russian troops have persisted with offensive operations along the Kharkiv-Luhansk border region, facing significant challenges posed by snow, frost, and mud. Despite this, maps found in the ISW report suggest Moscow has made territorial gains.

The ISW report also noted that Russia does not seem to be gathering uncommitted reserves in preparation for more extensive winter operations.

As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalates, the international community remains deeply concerned about the ongoing hostilities and the impact on civilians caught in the crossfire. Efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis continue, while the world closely monitors developments on the ground.