In Pics | Russia intensifies attack on Ukraine

Russia launched a broad pre-dawn aerial assault at targets across Ukraine on May 1, the second wide-ranging attack in four days, as fighting appeared to intensify before an anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive.

Russia launched a broad pre-dawn aerial assault at targets across Ukraine on May 1. Credit: Reuters Photo

At least 34 people, including five children, were wounded in Russian strikes on the central Ukrainian city of Pavlograd, according to local officials. Credit: Reuters Photo

Explosions also echoed in the skies above the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, and other parts of the country before dawn as Ukrainian air defenses shot down 15 of 18 Russian cruise missiles, according to the Ukrainian military. Credit: Reuters Photo

Russia's Ministry of Defense said that it had launched

Both sides have reported escalating attacks in recent days. After firing a rocket into an apartment block in central Ukraine on April 28, killing at least 23 people, Russia bombarded Ukrainian towns and villages along the frontline over the weekend, while a series of explosions also took place deep behind Russian lines. Credit: AFP Photo

Ukrainian soldiers inspect a new Sirko reconnaissance drone outside Kharkiv amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Credit: AFP Photo

Across the north, east and south of Ukraine, regional authorities over the course of 24 hours reported Russian artillery, mortar, rocket or drone strikes in 11 regions, killing at least three people and destroying more than 100 residential buildings. Credit: Reuters Photo

Ukrainian officials said Moscow’s forces shelled the Kherson region in southern Ukraine 39 times Sunday, killing at least one civilian and injuring several others. Credit: AFP Photo

Firefighters work at the site of a residential area hit by a Russian military strike in the town of Pavlohrad, Ukraine. Credit: Reuters Photo