Watch: 'Scariest night' as Ukraine fails to intercept Russian attack

What Happened

Russian forces launched a combined attack on Ukraine, firing 115 drones and 24 ballistic missiles, according to Ukrainian officials. The strikes killed 21 people and injured dozens more, with significant damage reported near Kyiv. Ukrainian air defences intercepted many of the drones but failed to stop many of the ballistic missiles, which Ukrainian forces attributed to depleted air defence capabilities. Resident Anastasiia Dudley described the night as the 'scariest' of the war after her home was significantly damaged.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The attack underscores Ukraine's critical shortage of air defence munitions, allowing Russian ballistic missiles to penetrate defences and inflict heavy civilian casualties. It highlights the strategic impact of Western aid delays and may increase pressure on NATO allies to accelerate deliveries of advanced air defence systems.

Watch For

Continued Russian airstrikes targeting civilian infrastructure, especially using ballistic missiles to exploit air defence gaps. Diplomatic focus on upcoming NATO or US aid announcements regarding air defence supplies. Potential Ukrainian pleas for accelerated deliveries of systems like Patriot or NASAMS.