Russia's defense ministry says its forces have carried out a massive strike on Ukraine in retaliation for what it called a Ukrainian-organized terrorist attack in western Russia last week.

The ministry made the announcement on Thursday after a barrage of Russian missiles hit cities across Ukraine earlier in the day.

It said that the retaliatory strike destroyed Ukraine's military infrastructure and other facilities with various weapons including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles.

The Russian government said an armed group intruded into the western Russian region of Bryansk near the border with Ukraine on March 2, killing civilians.

President Vladimir Putin called it a terrorist attack and blamed Ukraine for the incident. He suggested retaliation.

Ukraine denied its involvement in the alleged incursion and dismissed Putin's claim, saying it was a false provocation to justify attacks on Ukraine.