Russian attacks on four Ukrainian cities leave 15 injured

Russian attacks have continued (Ukrainian Emergency Service/AP)

Russia has pounded four Ukrainian cities overnight, injuring at least 15 people in an attack that mostly targeted energy infrastructure.

The latest bombardment in Russia’s escalating aerial campaign against civilian areas came ahead of a September 2 deadline set by US President Donald Trump for the Kremlin to reach a peace deal in the three-year war, under the threat of possible severe Washington sanctions if it does not.