The fragile ceasefire in Ukraine has collapsed overnight as Russian drone strikes resumed with a vengeance, killing at least 12 civilians and wounding dozens more. The attacks targeted residential areas in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro, shattering hopes of a peaceful resolution. President Zelensky condemned the strikes as a 'betrayal of basic humanity' and vowed to retaliate.

The resurgence of violence comes hours after UN peace talks collapsed at the weekend. Local hospitals are overwhelmed, with reports of children among the casualties. 'We were just beginning to breathe again,' said Olena Mykhailenko, a teacher sheltering in a Kyiv metro station.

'Now this.' The assault underscores the grinding reality for ordinary Ukrainians, whose lives remain pawns in a war that shows no signs of stopping. International observers warn that the humanitarian toll will escalate as winter sets in.