(KYIV, UKRAINE) – Russia resumed large scale missile and drone attacks across Ukraine overnight, ending a pause of roughly one week that coincided with international debate over sanctions on Russian oil exports.
Air raid alerts were reported across several Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv and Kharkiv, as Russian forces launched missiles and drones targeting urban areas and infrastructure. Ukrainian officials said civilians were forced to seek shelter in underground metro stations, parking garages and basements as explosions were heard overnight.
Several cities reported damage to residential buildings and civilian infrastructure. Authorities said children were among those killed or injured in the attacks, while hospitals in some areas received a large number of casualties.
Ukrainian air defences intercepted a significant number of incoming weapons. Officials reported that dozens of missiles and drones were launched, with many destroyed before reaching their targets.
The renewed strikes come as Ukrainian forces continue a sustained campaign to degrade Russian military capabilities, particularly air defence systems protecting occupied territory and Russian bases.
Footage released by Ukrainian sources shows the destruction of several advanced Russian air defence systems in recent operations. The systems reportedly include Tor M1, Pantsir S1, S300 and Buk missile platforms.
The Tor M1 system is estimated to cost about 10 million US dollars on export markets. The Pantsir S1 system is valued at roughly 31 million US dollars. The Buk system is also estimated at more than 30 million US dollars. Analysts note that such systems are difficult for Russia to replace quickly due to production constraints.
Ukrainian drone and missile strikes have increasingly targeted air defence networks across occupied regions and the Black Sea area. Military analysts say these attacks are gradually reducing Russia’s ability to protect key assets.
Some Russian military commentators have acknowledged that repeated Ukrainian strikes have weakened air defence coverage in several regions, leaving parts of the Black Sea and other strategic areas increasingly vulnerable.
Ukrainian operations have also targeted the Russian Black Sea Fleet and its supporting infrastructure. Following repeated attacks in occupied Crimea and other bases, several Russian vessels have reportedly withdrawn from their main positions.
In recent weeks Ukrainian drone strikes have damaged ships, air defence installations and oil infrastructure connected to Russian military logistics.
European authorities have also reported security developments linked to Russia’s wider operations abroad.
Lithuanian and Polish officials said investigators uncovered a Russian sabotage network suspected of planning attacks on commercial aircraft across Europe. Authorities said 22 individuals were arrested in connection with the plot.
Investigators said packages containing incendiary devices were sent through logistics networks in Germany, Poland and the United Kingdom in 2024. Many of the devices were intercepted before activation.
Officials believe the operation was organised by Russian intelligence services and intended to create disruption and political pressure within Europe.
Inside Russia, the Kremlin has also faced criticism following a propaganda event intended to demonstrate strong communication and coordination between the government and frontline forces.
The event drew ridicule on Russian social media after reports emerged that communications problems continue to affect Russian troops.
The Russian government has also introduced the MAX messaging platform, a state backed application that authorities are encouraging citizens to use. Critics inside Russia say the platform allows extensive monitoring of users and lacks the security features found on international messaging services.
Resistance to the new system has grown among technology experts and parts of the Russian public. Some commentators argue that the move reflects increasing state control over digital communications.
Public opinion inside Russia also appears to be shifting. Recent polling indicates that about 67 percent of Russians now support negotiations with Ukraine to end the war. Analysts say this is the highest level recorded since the invasion began.
Meanwhile European officials accuse the Kremlin of conducting influence operations aimed at weakening support for Ukraine.
Hungarian political events criticising Ukraine have drawn scrutiny from analysts who believe such demonstrations may have been encouraged by pro Russian networks.
Security experts say these influence efforts form part of a broader strategy by Moscow to divide Western governments while the war in Ukraine continues.
