Overview
- Russian missile-and-drone strikes on Ukrainian cities have intensified, with Kyiv hit in a large barrage that local emergency services say killed about 30 people and wounded many more.
- Ukraine has stepped up cross-border operations, claiming drone strikes on St. Petersburg targets including an oil terminal and the Kronstadt naval base while Russian regional authorities reported dozens of drones shot down.
- U.S. officials have warned that Russia may plan a staged armed provocation in Poland to test NATO’s resolve, a charge reported by Western outlets that has prompted heightened alerts in Warsaw and among alliance partners.
- On the front line, Moscow is claiming gains — President Putin said Luhansk is "liberated" — but Kyiv denies Russian capture of key towns such as Kostiantynivka and says its forces still hold defensive positions.
- European capitals and NATO are moving to strengthen deterrence with fresh funding, planned aid packages and legal measures, while civilians face rising danger from repeated attacks and Ukraine presses allies for more air-defense systems.