Russia launches massive missile strike on Ukraine amid Slovak diplomatic controversy

A massive Russian missile and hypersonic strike on Kyiv and surrounding regions has resulted in at least 17 deaths and over 40 injuries. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as one of the most cynical and extensive of the war, highlighting a critical shortage of air defense capabilities. While American-supplied Patriot systems successfully intercepted a hypersonic missile, Ukrainian officials warned that ammunition supplies are rapidly depleting.

In Slovakia, the government faces intense domestic criticism following news that Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár held talks with Russian Minister Valeriy Falkov regarding the restoration of an intergovernmental commission for economic and scientific-technical cooperation. Opposition leaders, including Ivan Korčok and Branislav Gröhling, condemned the timing of the meeting, noting it coincided with the deadly Russian strikes on Ukraine. Critics have characterized the government's actions as being complicit with Russia and a threat to national security.