Russia rains missiles and drones on Kyiv; Poland on alert, drone falls in Romania

Russia unleashed a significant barrage of ballistic missiles and drones on Kyiv overnight, resulting in multiple explosions across the capital and claiming at least five lives, with 23 others injured. The attack, which continued for hours, caused homes to shake and car alarms to blare in various parts of the city.

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Explosions caused houses to shake and car alarms to activate in parts of the city.

Ukrainian air forces issued warnings about incoming ballistic missiles, including Russian Zircon missiles launched from the Kursk region. In the Kyiv region, a man was killed and another injured in the Brovary settlement due to the attack, which also damaged an unspecified "industrial" facility. The scale of the assault highlights Ukraine's ongoing struggle with air defense, particularly its chronic shortage of Patriot interceptor missiles capable of countering ballistic threats.

Adding to regional tensions, a drone reportedly crashed on Romanian territory during the Russian attacks on Kyiv, according to the Romanian Ministry of Defense. The drone landed in an uninhabited area of Romania's Tulcea county. In response to the escalating situation, Poland's military announced it had initiated "preventive actions," activating its air force and mobilizing necessary resources for a swift response to potential threats within its airspace.

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There was a strong smell of smoke in the center of Kyiv.

The renewed assault on Ukraine's capital comes at a critical juncture, as Russia has intensified its use of missiles in recent weeks. This latest attack underscores the persistent threat and the complex geopolitical ramifications, with neighboring NATO countries on high alert.

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The Polish military stated that 'military aviation operations' have begun in its airspace and that 'the necessary forces and resources at its disposal have been activated.'