Putin: strikes on Ukraine a response to 'terrorist act', tough action if attacks mount

Vladimir Putin on Monday said its strikes on Ukraine were in response to the 'terrorist action' by Ukraine on a bridge connecting Russia and Crimea

Putin told Russia’s Security Council that the series of strikes by Moscow was a reprisal against Ukraininan attack through precision weapons from air, sea and ground to target key energy and military command facilities in the war-torn country

Putin also warned of tough and proportionate response if Kyiv continued to mount what Moscow is calling terrorist attacks.

Kremlim strikes came a day after Putin called the explosion on Saturday on a huge bridge connecting Russia to its annexed territory of Crimea a "terrorist act" masterminded by Ukrainian special services.

It unleashed a lethal barrage of strikes against multiple Ukrainian cities Monday, smashing civilian targets including downtown Kyiv where at least six people were killed amid burnt-out cars and shattered buildings that brought back into focus the grim reality of war after months of easing tensions in the capital.

(With inputrs from AP and PTI)

Also watch: Russia fires barrage of missiles against Ukrainian cities