Key facts
- Russia launched its largest air assault of the war targeting Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.
- Hundreds of drones and missiles were used in the Russian assault.
- The attacks hit residential buildings, a hotel, and a historic cathedral in Kyiv.
- 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.
- Romania and Ukraine established direct communication after a Russian drone strike on Romanian territory.
- Ukrainian drones reportedly targeted a bearing plant in Penza, Russia.
- Explosions were reported in occupied Donetsk overnight.
- Poland warns of potential Russian sabotage operations aimed at escalating Polish-Ukrainian tensions.
- Tomasz Siemoniak noted intensified Russian information warfare.
Russia has conducted its largest air assault of the ongoing war, with hundreds of drones and missiles targeting Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine. The attacks resulted in casualties and widespread damage, hitting residential buildings, a hotel, and a historic cathedral in the capital. This large-scale bombardment followed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's warning of an impending Russian attack, with air defense units engaging drones on Kyiv's outskirts.
In parallel, Ukraine has intensified its own strikes on Russian territory. Ukrainian forces successfully struck Russia's major Ufa oil refinery for the second time in a week. This refinery, located over 1,000 kilometers from Ukraine, is a significant producer of lubricants. Additionally, Ukrainian drones reportedly targeted a state-owned bearing plant in Penza, Russia, causing a fire. Explosions were also 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.
Following a Russian drone strike on Romanian territory, Romania and Ukraine have established a direct line of communication. This initiative aims to streamline responses to future incursions and prevent similar incidents. Meanwhile, Poland's special services are preparing for potential Russian sabotage operations. Tomasz Siemoniak, minister in charge of special services, noted intensified Russian information warfare and interest in Polish-Ukrainian cooperation sites, suggesting Russia seeks to exploit current tensions.