Russia launches ballistic missile strike on Kyiv, causing explosions and injuries

A series of explosions rang out shortly after midnight in Kyiv after the Ukrainian air force warned that ballistic missiles were approaching the capital. Air‑defence systems engaged the incoming missiles, and at least six blasts were reported. Fires broke out in three locations in the Holosivskyi district, though officials said no injuries occurred there.

In the southeastern city of Zaporozhye, 11 people were wounded by fragments from Russian unmanned aerial systems, and six more were injured near Kharkiv, Ukraine's second‑largest city. The attack came hours after leaders of the so‑called "alliance of the frontlines" met in Paris, where nine European nations pledged to form a fully defensive alliance to develop anti‑ballistic capabilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the day "historic" and reiterated Ukraine's request for additional air‑defence assets, noting shortages of ammunition for Patriot systems. Since June, Kyiv has faced an increasing number of ballistic missile strikes, and a previous night‑time bombing killed 30 people.