Key facts
- Russia launched its largest air assault of the war on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv.
- The Russian attack hit government buildings, residential areas, and a historic cathedral.
- Ukraine struck Russia's major Ufa oil refinery for the second time in a week.
- The Ufa oil refinery is located over 1,000 kilometers from Ukraine.
- Ukrainian drones reportedly targeted a state-owned bearing plant in Penza, Russia.
- Explosions were reported in occupied Donetsk overnight.
- Romania and Ukraine established a direct line of communication after a Russian drone strike on Romanian territory.
- Poland is preparing for potential Russian sabotage operations.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned of an impending large-scale Russian attack.
- Air defense units engaged drones on Kyiv's outskirts.
Russia conducted its largest air assault of the war on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv with drones and missiles, causing fires and casualties. The attack hit government buildings, residential areas, and a historic cathedral, prompting renewed calls for stronger international support for Ukraine. This large-scale assault followed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's warning of an impending Russian attack, with air defense units engaging drones on the capital's outskirts.
In parallel, Ukraine has been conducting its own strikes. Ukrainian forces struck Russia's major Ufa oil refinery for the second time in a week, a facility located over 1,000 kilometers from Ukraine that is a significant producer of lubricants. Ukrainian drones also reportedly targeted a state-owned bearing plant in Penza, Russia, causing a fire. Additionally, explosions were reported in occupied Donetsk overnight, though the specific target remains unclear. These strikes are part of Ukraine's strategy to degrade Russia's war-fighting capabilities.
In response to escalating cross-border incidents, Romania and Ukraine have established a direct line of communication following a Russian drone strike on Romanian territory. This move aims to streamline responses to future incursions and prevent similar incidents. Meanwhile, Poland's special services are preparing for potential Russian sabotage operations aimed at escalating tensions between Poles and Ukrainians. Tomasz Siemoniak, minister in charge of special services, noted intensified Russian information warfare and interest in various Polish-Ukrainian cooperation sites.