Overview
- Russian forces launched a large missile and drone barrage against Kyiv and the Kyiv region that Ukrainian officials say used dozens of ballistic and cruise missiles plus about 115 drones and caused at least 17 deaths and more than 40 injuries on Thursday.
- Ukraine responded with one of its largest drone offensives of the war that Russian and Ukrainian officials say struck refineries and logistics hubs, including a fire at the Slavneft‑YANOS refinery in Yaroslavl and an asserted hit on Bashneft‑Novoil.
- Both sides reported heavy shootdowns: Russia’s defense ministry said it neutralized roughly 605 Ukrainian drones across 18 regions, Crimea and nearby seas while Ukraine said many incoming Russian missiles overwhelmed its interceptor stocks.
- The Kremlin announced new Defense Ministry appointments and a rear‑defense service after FSB detentions in a drone procurement corruption case, moves Russian officials link to recent strikes and capability failures.
- The United Nations condemned attacks on civilian areas as violations of humanitarian law, and analysts warn the strikes on refineries and logistics centers could deepen fuel and supply disruptions inside Russia and increase urgent pressure on Kyiv’s request for more long‑range interceptors.