RUSSIAN regions and a Putin-occupied port were hit in major strikes during the night.
Explosions were heard in the centre of Krasnodar and also in Rostov region, in southern Russia, both key to supply lines for Kremlin troops.
Berdiansk – a key Azov Sea port and resort occupied by Russia – was also struck with giant explosions.
It was claimed a Russian store of S-300 air defence missiles was struck, but there was no immediate confirmation.
It was also suggested – not yet confirmed – that British supplied long range Storm Shadow missiles were deployed in this attack.
Residents in Berdiansk reported several powerful explosions.
A pro-Russian official in the occupied Zapirizhzhia region said: “Berdiansk under the Kyiv regime’s fire.
“Explosions were heard on the outskirts of Berdiansk.
“First responders are working at the scene.
“The circumstances are being established,” a spokesperson said.
It was unclear if the surge of overnight attacks — seen on dramatic videos — represented the start of a counteroffensive or a change in strategy by Ukraine.
In Krasnodar the local crisis centre denied any casualties.
“At 04:17 am Moscow time, an explosion was heard near a building on Morskaya Street….first responders were sent to the area.
“According to preliminary information, no one was injured.
“The building’s roof and windows were damaged, but no fire followed.”
City Mayor Yevgeny Naumov said “an office building and an apartment block” sustained damage.
“The cause of the incident is being established. I call upon residents to stay calm.”
In Rostov region, air defences claimed to have downed a Ukrainian missile.
Reports indicated an attack on a Russian military airfield in Morozovsk
Rostov Region has annexed Ukrainian regions Donetsk and Lugansk.
Attacks were also reported on Tokmak and Vasylivka, both in Putin-occupied Zaporizhzhia region.
War blogger Anatoly Shariy, who has one million-plus followers, said “the impression is that infrastructure and headquarters are being cut down. As if before something [bigger].”
Kyiv did not immediately claim responsibility.