Russia has been accused of deliberately targeting civilians in a massive overnight strike on Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine.

The large-scale drone attack injured at least eight people, including a child, and hit residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure, according to local officials. Russian drones also struck the cities of Dnipro and Sumy.

Reacting to the strikes, Andriy Yermak, Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff, said: “The desire for peace looks different. Russia continues to strike civilians.” 

Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine’s prime minister, said the attack shows “Russia is not seeking peace, Russia is continuing its terror against Ukraine and attacking peaceful cities”.

It comes amid concerns over whether a tentative truce to halt the fighting in the Black Sea and attacks on energy targets will hold. Moscow has repeatedly been accused of trying to stonewall negotiations and delay an eventual ceasefire.

Sir Keir Stamer will today head to Paris to meet European leaders, including Mr Zelensky, for a summit aimed at boosting security for Ukraine ahead of the potential peace deal.