Key facts
- Russia launched a ballistic missile attack on Kyiv overnight.
- Explosions were reported across the capital, hitting warehouses and non-residential buildings.
- The attack comes as Ukraine reels from the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
- Ukraine's air defense systems are struggling to counter ballistic missiles, with Patriot systems being the only effective defense.
- Russia has attacked Kyiv with ballistic missiles seven times in July alone.
- The U.S. has begun the process of granting Ukraine licenses to produce Patriot missiles.
Russia launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, in an overnight attack on July 16, causing significant explosions. The strikes occurred as Ukraine was still processing the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a move that has shaken the government. Ukrainian officials reported that at least eight ballistic missiles were heading toward Kyiv, with explosions hitting warehouses and non-residential buildings. This attack is part of an ongoing campaign by Russia to overwhelm Ukraine's air defenses, which are increasingly strained, particularly against ballistic missiles where only U.S.-made Patriot systems are highly effective, and Ukraine's stockpiles are depleted. The U.S. has initiated the process of granting Ukraine licenses to produce Patriot missiles domestically, a move intended to bolster defenses in the short term. The European Union also announced a 10-billion-euro funding package for additional drones, missiles, and fighter aircraft for Ukraine. The dismissal of Fedorov, a popular figure credited with improving interception rates for drones and cruise missiles, adds to the political instability amidst the escalating military pressure.