Russian ballistic missiles strike Kyiv - reports

Kyiv was rocked by a series of explosions shortly after midnight local time Thursday, following an alert from Ukraine's air force about the approach of several ballistic missiles. An AFP journalist in the capital reported seeing bright flashes in the sky, followed by multiple detonations.

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We need to combine our strengths.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed on social media that a warehouse had been struck and that missile debris had landed on non-residential buildings. Simultaneously, the mayor of Kharkiv, Ukraine's northeastern hub, reported that the city was targeted by combat drones. Kyiv has faced regular ballistic missile attacks from Russia since last month, with these weapons being particularly difficult to intercept due to their speed.

The strikes followed a visit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who was in Kyiv to bolster defense cooperation. She spoke at a ceremony marking Ukraine's Statehood Day, emphasizing the need to combine strengths and stating that a new deal would merge Ukrainian innovation with Europe's industrial capacity. Ukraine is currently facing a shortage of PAC-3 missiles for its U.S.-designed Patriot systems, crucial for intercepting ballistic projectiles.

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This deal will bring together Ukrainian ingenuity and Europe's industrial scale.

In parallel, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Sergii Koretskyi, the head of the state energy company Naftogaz, is the preferred candidate for the new prime minister. This move comes as lawmakers indicated plans to replace the defense minister. Some expressed concern that the departure of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov could hinder Ukraine's war efforts, particularly as it impacts Russia's oil industry and slows Moscow's advances. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko was pushed out after a year, with Zelensky citing the need to refresh leadership and prioritize preparations for winter.

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The priorities are clear - preparing for winter.