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Ukraine is increasingly using midrange drones to strike Russian supply routes far behind the front lines, a strategy military commanders say is disrupting logistics, slowing Russian advances and helping Ukrainian forces regain ground. From an underground command centre in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, drone operators monitor live thermal images of roads in Russian-held territory. Once they spot a military vehicle, they guide the drone toward its target, aiming to destroy fuel, ammunition and troop supplies before they reach the battlefield. "Our mission is to cut logistics," said Kat, commander of Ukraine's K-2 Brigade. "If we stop their supply lines, frontline troops are left without food, ammunition, batteries and night-vision equipment. That's how we weaken them." The soldiers interviewed by The Associated Press used only their military call signs, following Ukrainian military rules. By repeatedly targeting roads used to transport fuel, ammunition and reinforcements, Ukrainian commanders say they have made Russia's supply operations slower, more expensive and less reliable. They believe this has helped slow Russian offensives while allowing Ukraine to launch counterattacks and carry out strikes in Russian-occupied Crimea. Until recently, this area was difficult for Ukraine to reach. Frontline drones lacked the necessary range, while long-range drones were reserved for strategic targets hundreds of kilometres away. That left a large area where Russian forces could move supplies with little threat. Now, fixed-wing midrange drones equipped with Starlink satellite communications have filled that gap, turning Russian supply routes into active targets. "They are putting constant pressure on Russian logistics and making it harder for Russia to keep some parts of the front supplied," said Samuel Bendett, a researcher at the Center for Naval Analyses. Bendett said Ukraine will need to maintain this pressure while Russia develops ways to counter the drones. Although he expects Moscow to adapt over time, he said Russia's larger military can absorb greater losses for now. "The key question is whether Ukraine can keep up this pressure in the coming weeks and months," he said. The K-2 Brigade operates from what looks like an ordinary office, while drones are assembled in workshops and launched from hidden locations near the front. Inside the command room, drone pilots dressed in civilian clothes work at desks covered with coffee cups, energy drink cans and electronic devices. Their computer screens display satellite maps and target locations rather than office documents. In May alone, the brigade launched 800 midrange drones, successfully hitting their intended targets with 650 of them. The drones are launched more than 200 kilometres away, after which pilots in Kharkiv take control. They can guide the aircraft for up to four hours and more than 100 kilometres behind Russian lines. Some operators are flying drones over towns they once called home before Russia's invasion forced them to leave. They now search those same streets for Russian troops, military vehicles and ammunition depots. The brigade even keeps a scoreboard tracking the performance of its 10 drone teams. The current record stands at 17 successful strikes in a row. One of the unit's top drone operators, 20-year-old Pharaon, said his gaming experience helped prepare him for the job. "When I was younger, I spent a lot of time playing Counter-Strike," he said. "It's similar in some ways because you're competing to destroy enemy targets." Military experts say Ukraine's campaign gained momentum earlier this year after SpaceX blocked Russian forces from using Starlink satellite services without authorisation. The move disrupted Russian drone operations while giving Ukraine a technological advantage. Rob Lee, a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute's Eurasia Program, described the Starlink restriction as one of the year's most significant developments on the battlefield. Pharaon said the improvement has been dramatic. "Now, eight out of every 10 missions are successful," he said. "A few months ago, it was the opposite." The K-2 Brigade mainly uses the Dart drone, an inexpensive aircraft made from lightweight materials including wood, polystyrene and 3D-printed parts. It is mainly used to attack Russian supply convoys. Larger drones, such as the Hornet, carry heavier explosives and are used against bridges and other infrastructure. Before every mission, crews inspect batteries, cameras, flight controls and the Starlink communication system to ensure the drone remains connected throughout the flight. The drones are then taken to concealed launch sites near the front line, where soldiers prepare them for takeoff using catapult launchers. Russia was initially caught off guard when Ukraine expanded the campaign about three months ago. It has since increased mobile air defence teams, machine-gun positions and drone interception units, but Ukrainian commanders say the speed and scale of the attacks have allowed them to stay ahead. Bendett said Russia also faces coordination problems between military units, making it harder to respond quickly when drones are detected. Ukraine has focused many of its attacks on key highways linking the occupied cities of Mariupol, Berdyansk, Melitopol and Crimea, which are major supply routes for Russian forces in southern and eastern Ukraine. According to Ukraine's military intelligence, repeated drone attacks have made parts of the land corridor connecting Russia to Crimea increasingly dangerous, disrupting the movement of fuel, ammunition and reinforcements. Pharaon said Russia is now expanding its anti-aircraft defences and deploying more interception teams near major cities. In response, Ukrainian drone operators plan routes that avoid known Russian air defence positions. During flights, they sometimes see anti-aircraft fire below as the drones continue toward their targets. Lee said Russia has also been testing electronic warfare systems designed to interfere with Starlink since 2024, but so far those efforts have had only limited success. "I think they have achieved some success, but we'll have to wait and see how effective it becomes," he said.

On a granite cliff overlooking a river about two hours west of Kyiv, hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts gathered for Ukraine's largest climbing and music festival, where adventure, live performances and community spirit provided a brief escape from the realities of war. Held last week in the Zhytomyr region, the Stoned Climbers festival brought together more than 500 participants for rock climbing, camping, swimming and stand-up paddleboarding during the day, while live bands and DJs entertained crowds in the evenings. Despite the festive atmosphere, reminders of the ongoing war were never far away. Visitors received repeated air raid alerts on their phones, soldiers on leave quietly mingled with the crowd, and organizers donated all proceeds from this year's event to support Ukraine's Azov Brigade. Unlike last year, however, no Russian drones or missiles flew over the campsite on their way to Kyiv. The volunteer-led festival was launched in 2023 by around 15 friends inspired by the climbing culture of Yosemite National Park in the United States, where rock climbing has long been associated with camping, outdoor living and a close connection with nature. Festival co-founder Dmytro Isaienko said they wanted to show that climbing is more than a competitive sport. "We realized climbing could be much more than just a sport. It's a lifestyle connected to nature, camping and the mountains," said the 39-year-old. The founders also wanted to make climbing more accessible rather than something only for elite athletes. Their first festival attracted around 150 people. This year, attendance grew to more than 500, most of them beginners or amateur climbers. Isaienko said the festival has taken on greater meaning during the war by giving people a chance to reconnect, learn new skills and take a break from the pressures of daily life. "People need to step away from the war for a while, leave Kyiv and spend time together," he said. At the climbing site, instructors helped first-time participants put on harnesses, prepare their equipment and make their way up the 25-meter-high granite wall. Whenever someone reached the top, fellow climbers and spectators applauded their achievement. Among the newcomers was 21-year-old Liliia Karpach, who traveled from Ukraine's western Lviv region to attend her first Stoned Climbers festival. She said she wanted to climb on real rock again and meet members of the climbing community. Karpach described climbing as both a physical and mental challenge and encouraged others to give it a try. "If you're nervous about coming alone, bring some friends. Even if none of you has climbed before, you'll still enjoy the experience together," she said. Instructor Andrii Lamei said helping beginners overcome their fears is one of the most satisfying parts of the festival. While guiding a young woman through her first climb, he encouraged her to pause and enjoy the view after she successfully reached the top. "Look around. Enjoy the moment. You made it," he shouted. Lamei said climbing teaches people how to cope with stress and remain calm in difficult situations. Although he dreams of climbing in places such as Yosemite and Norway, wartime travel restrictions prevent most Ukrainian men from leaving the country. "I'd love to visit Yosemite and Norway's mountains, but I can't. Maybe this has taught me to appreciate what we have here," he said. Isaienko believes that is exactly why events like Stoned Climbers are important. Even as the war continues, he hopes the growing climbing community shows that people can still build new traditions and enjoy life together. "This is a festival for everyone, including those who have never climbed before," he said. As more first-time climbers reached the top of the cliffs to loud applause, the festival reflected the steady growth of Ukraine's outdoor climbing community despite the challenges of war.

A Ukrainian drone strike hit an oil terminal in Russia's St. Petersburg on Saturday, Russian officials said, as Kyiv continued its long-range attacks on Russia's energy infrastructure. Ukraine has been targeting Russian oil facilities almost daily in recent months, a campaign aimed at disrupting fuel supplies and increasing pressure on the Kremlin as the war enters its fifth year. St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov said the attack struck the Kirovsky district on the Baltic Sea. He also said Russian air defenses intercepted 72 Ukrainian drones over the city and surrounding areas. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the operation was part of Ukraine's "long-range sanctions" against Russia. In a post on Telegram, he said Ukrainian forces struck oil facilities at the port and also hit a military target on Kronstadt Island, located off the coast of St. Petersburg. "The Ukrainian defense forces hit the port's oil infrastructure, which helps finance Russia's war, and also struck Kronstadt, an important military target," Zelenskyy said. The Kirovsky district was also targeted in June, shortly before Russia hosted the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Ukraine also continued attacks on Crimea, the peninsula Russia annexed in 2014. Moscow-installed Governor Sergei Aksyonov said a Ukrainian strike on Saturday killed one person and injured two others, including a 10-year-old child. Repeated attacks have forced local authorities to suspend gasoline sales to civilians. Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed Ukraine's strikes on Russia's energy facilities as "not critical" and has insisted Moscow will continue the war until its objectives are achieved. He has argued that the attacks are intended to shift attention away from Ukraine's battlefield losses. However, military analysts say Russia's advances have slowed in recent months. On Friday, Putin visited Russia's military headquarters overseeing the war in Ukraine, where he received a report claiming Russian forces had captured the eastern Ukrainian city of Kostyantynivka after weeks of heavy fighting. He described the development as an important step toward advancing on the nearby cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, two of Ukraine's remaining strongholds in the Donetsk region. Putin called the capture of Kostyantynivka, a major transport and industrial center, a development of "major strategic importance." Ukraine denied the claim. General Staff spokesperson Maj. Andriy Kovalev told local media that Russian forces had not taken control of the city and accused Moscow of spreading "outright disinformation." The ongoing drone campaign has increasingly brought the war into Russian territory. Local media reported that the border city of Belgorod was left almost entirely without electricity on Saturday following overnight Ukrainian drone attacks. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities said eight people, including two children, were injured after Russian strikes hit residential buildings in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region on Saturday.  

Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed growing fuel shortages caused by repeated Ukrainian strikes on Russia's oil facilities, saying the problem is "not critical" as he vowed to continue the war until Moscow achieves its objectives. Despite increasing disruptions to Russia's fuel supply, Putin has rejected ceasefire proposals and insisted that military operations will continue. He has described Ukraine's attacks on Russian energy infrastructure as an attempt to divert attention from Kyiv's battlefield setbacks, although military analysts say Russia's advance has slowed in recent months. His remarks came as Russia launched one of its deadliest attacks on the Ukrainian capital in recent months. An 11-hour overnight barrage on Kyiv into Thursday morning killed at least 30 people. Since March, Ukraine has reportedly carried out more than 50 attacks on oil refineries and energy facilities in Russia and Russian-occupied Crimea. Ukrainian officials say the campaign is aimed at increasing pressure on Moscow to end the war. The attacks have also brought the impact of the conflict closer to ordinary Russians, challenging the Kremlin's long-standing message that daily life inside Russia remains largely unaffected by the war. According to Chris Weafer, CEO of consultancy Macro-Advisory, about one-third of Russia's oil refining capacity has been disrupted. He said many of the damaged facilities will require costly and lengthy repairs. One of Moscow's largest oil refineries has been hit twice despite heavy air defense around the capital. The latest strike on June 18 caused a major fire and reportedly damaged key equipment that may not be fully repaired until the end of the year. Russian government data show gasoline production has fallen by about 17% to around 850,000 barrels per day. Fuel rationing has been introduced in several regions, with motorists waiting in long queues at filling stations. The worst shortages have been reported in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. At times, authorities have suspended gasoline sales to private consumers altogether. At a government meeting last weekend, Putin acknowledged Russia was going through a "difficult period" but said the shortages were temporary. He pledged to speed up repairs to damaged energy facilities, said Russia could import gasoline if necessary, and promised to increase production of air defense systems to counter future Ukrainian strikes. Putin accused Ukraine of trying to create divisions within Russian society and force Moscow into peace talks on terms favorable to Kyiv. "We will not give them that chance," he said. Although Putin insisted the attacks on Russian oil facilities have had no impact on the front line, Western military analysts say Ukrainian strikes on Russian military supply routes have complicated logistics and slowed Moscow's offensive, leaving much of the battlefield at a stalemate. Putin maintained that Russian forces are still making gains along the roughly 1,000-kilometre front line. The Russian leader has also rejected repeated calls by Ukraine and its Western allies for a ceasefire, arguing it would only allow Ukrainian forces time to regroup. He has made any truce conditional on Ukraine withdrawing from the remaining parts of the Donetsk region under its control, a demand Kyiv has rejected. Putin also insists that any peace agreement must prevent Ukraine from joining NATO, reduce its military capabilities and guarantee protection for the Russian language and culture. Putin also claimed Ukraine had privately proposed limiting the fighting to the four regions that Russia annexed but does not fully control: Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. He said he rejected the proposal because it would allow Ukrainian forces to reinforce those areas. The Kremlin said the proposal was delivered through confidential channels, but Ukrainian officials have not publicly confirmed such an offer. Putin also dismissed Ukraine's proposal for both sides to stop launching long-range strikes inside each other's territory, arguing that Russia's attacks are far more powerful and destructive. Russia's latest assault on Kyiv again struck residential areas, despite Moscow saying it was targeting military facilities. In contrast, most Ukrainian strikes inside Russia have focused on oil refineries, weapons factories and other military-related infrastructure. According to the United Nations, more than 16,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion more than four years ago.  

Ukraine continued its large-scale drone attacks on Russia overnight, triggering a fire at a major oil refinery in the country's south and leaving at least two people dead, Russian officials said on Sunday. The latest strikes are part of Kyiv's strategy to target Russia's fuel and military supply network, aiming to weaken Moscow's war effort and increase pressure on the Kremlin to negotiate. Russian authorities said debris from intercepted Ukrainian drones caused a fire at the oil refinery in Slavyansk-na-Kubani, located in the Krasnodar region, east of Russian-occupied Crimea. Regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said one person was killed in Slavyansk, while another was injured in a nearby village after falling drone debris. Images and videos shared on Russian social media appeared to show thick black smoke rising from the refinery, although The Associated Press could not immediately verify the footage. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukrainian forces carried out the attack on the Slavyansk refinery. He also claimed that another refinery in Russia's Yaroslavl region, about 700 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, was struck during the overnight operation. "Tonight, our 'long-range sanctions' reached two oil refineries in Russia," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. "Each strike reduces the resources that fuel the Russian war machine and brings us one step closer to peace." Ukraine has significantly expanded its long-range drone campaign in recent months, focusing on Russian energy facilities and military industries. Kyiv says the attacks are intended to reduce Russia's income from oil exports and disrupt supplies supporting its invasion, now in its fifth year. The Slavyansk refinery is one of southern Russia's largest, processing nearly 4 million tons of crude oil annually, according to the operator's website. It also produces petroleum products for export through Black Sea ports, including fuel oil, naphtha and marine fuel. Russian authorities did not immediately confirm Zelenskyy's claim about the strike in the Yaroslavl region. However, regional Governor Mikhail Evraev said several roads linking Moscow and Yaroslavl were temporarily closed because of what he described as a Ukrainian drone attack. Russia's civil aviation agency also temporarily suspended operations at Yaroslavl Airport and several airports in southern and western Russia overnight. In Russia's Belgorod border region, Ukrainian drone strikes killed one person and injured another, acting Governor Alexander Shuvayev said. Russia's Defense Ministry said its air defenses destroyed 213 Ukrainian drones overnight over Russian territory, occupied Crimea, and the Black and Azov seas. Meanwhile, Ukraine's air force said Russia launched 142 long-range drones and eight missiles overnight. It said Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 125 drones and seven missiles.

Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Russia overnight, with Russian authorities claiming their air defenses shot down 660 drones across 12 regions, the Russia-controlled Crimean Peninsula, the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov on Friday. The attack appeared to be one of the biggest drone offensives by Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion more than four years ago. Russia previously reported intercepting 556 Ukrainian drones in its largest recorded attack on May 17 this year. Ukraine has increasingly used long-range drones to hit targets far inside Russian territory, including oil and energy facilities, in an effort to weaken Russia's military operations. Western officials and analysts say the strikes have disrupted fuel supplies and military logistics, putting additional pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russian authorities released few details about the overnight attack. The Russian Defense Ministry did not say which sites were targeted or whether any major damage was caused. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) said its drones struck Russian navy vessels and air defense radar systems in Kerch, a key port city in Crimea. According to the agency, the targets included the reconnaissance and mine-laying ships Volga and Vyatka, as well as the cargo-passenger ferry Petropavlovsk. The SBU claimed the strikes triggered a large fire, although the claim could not be independently verified. The latest drone offensive came hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on X that he had ordered a "40-day influence operation," which is believed to involve stepping up attacks to pressure Russia into ending the war after months of stalled US-led peace efforts. Recent successful drone strikes, including attacks on targets in Moscow and St. Petersburg, have boosted morale in Ukraine. Zelenskyy also said he secured fresh promises of military support from leaders at the recent G7 summit, including US President Donald Trump. He said the additional assistance would strengthen Ukraine's efforts to push Russia toward peace negotiations. A NATO summit scheduled for next month is also expected to discuss further military support for Ukraine.

Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations began their first full day of summit talks on Tuesday with major global crises at the top of the agenda, including Russia’s war in Ukraine and efforts to stabilize the Middle East. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined the discussions at the invitation of host nation France, as world leaders looked for ways to advance peace efforts in Ukraine and maintain momentum following a recent US-Iran agreement. The talks come after US President Donald Trump announced a deal aimed at ending the 3½-month conflict between the United States and Iran. The crisis in the Middle East has dominated international attention in recent weeks, pushing the Ukraine war lower on the global agenda. Trump said he held productive phone conversations on Sunday with both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin and indicated that Washington would now focus more closely on efforts to end the Ukraine conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron said he would urge Trump to maintain support for Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia to move toward a peace agreement. Just hours before the summit opened, Russia launched hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles at major Ukrainian cities. The attacks killed at least 11 people and damaged several sites, including a religious landmark. A key session on Tuesday focused on ending regional conflicts and promoting stability in the Middle East. Leaders from Egypt, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates were invited to join those discussions. Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration over the slow progress in efforts to end the war in Ukraine. During his presidential campaign, he said he could resolve the conflict quickly, but later acknowledged that reaching a settlement has proven more difficult than expected. Macron stressed that any lasting peace process must involve both Ukraine and Russia, with European and American participation. Meanwhile, Ukraine officially launched negotiations on Monday to join the European Union, beginning what is expected to be a lengthy process requiring major political and institutional reforms. Kyiv views EU membership as an important safeguard for its future after the war. Ukraine also seeks membership in NATO, but the Trump administration has ruled out that possibility while the conflict continues.   The summit is also taking place against the backdrop of recent tensions between Trump and several European leaders over US military action against Iran. Differences emerged after Washington moved ahead without consulting key allies, including France, Britain, Germany and Italy. Despite those disagreements, leaders in Evian appeared eager to work together, particularly as they seek to reduce the economic impact of higher energy prices caused by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said recent developments in the Middle East were encouraging, noting that oil prices had fallen and stock markets had responded positively. Ahead of the summit, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, joined by Canada, issued a joint statement welcoming the US-Iran agreement and calling it a diplomatic breakthrough. The countries urged rapid implementation of the deal to allow the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments. Macron said France and its partners stand ready to help restore safe navigation through the strait, while France and Britain continue to support plans for a maritime security mission in the region. Trump, however, suggested that a large international military deployment may not be necessary, although he welcomed limited support from allied countries. In addition to the Ukraine and Middle East discussions, Trump’s schedule on Tuesday includes meetings with Qatar’s emir and the president of the UAE, followed by a cultural event and a dinner with fellow G7 leaders. The G7 comprises France, the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom. Several non-member countries, including Brazil, India, Kenya and South Korea, were also invited to participate in selected discussions as partner nations.

At least seven people were killed and 11 others injured after a drone struck a passenger bus in a Russian-controlled area of eastern Ukraine early Wednesday, according to local authorities installed by Moscow. Denis Pushilin, the Russia-backed head of the Donetsk region, said the bus was travelling from Moscow to Simferopol in Russian-annexed Crimea when it came under attack near Yenakiyevo. He said seven civilians were killed in the strike, while the injured were receiving medical treatment. The incident occurred amid a fresh wave of overnight drone attacks between Russia and Ukraine. Russian officials said air defence systems intercepted more than 350 drones across several regions, including Belgorod, Kursk, areas near Moscow and over the Sea of Azov. Authorities also reported that more than 50 drones were shot down over the Leningrad region, home to St. Petersburg, where the annual International Economic Forum is set to begin on Wednesday. The drone activity temporarily disrupted operations at Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg, prompting flight restrictions, according to Russia’s aviation authority. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials said an 86-year-old woman was killed in a Russian drone attack in the southern Kherson region overnight. Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched 198 drones targeting multiple regions, adding that 189 of them were intercepted or destroyed. The latest attacks follow one of the largest Russian aerial assaults since the war began in 2022. Ukrainian officials said at least 22 people, including women and children, were killed on Tuesday when Russia launched more than 700 missiles and drones across the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said civilian infrastructure and energy facilities were among the targets, and that more than 100 people were injured. Russia’s Defence Ministry said the strikes were carried out in response to earlier Ukrainian attacks and claimed all intended targets had been hit. The Kremlin said the campaign of strikes would continue, describing them as retaliatory actions and maintaining that they were aimed at Ukraine’s military infrastructure. With inputs from BBC

Russia launched another large-scale overnight drone and missile attack on Ukraine, targeting at least eight regions and injuring more than two dozen civilians, including children, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday. According to Zelenskyy, Russian forces fired 524 attack drones and 22 ballistic and cruise missiles. The heaviest damage was reported in the central Dnipropetrovsk Oblast region, including the city of Dnipro. The attacks came as both Russia and Ukraine have stepped up long-range strikes, despite recent diplomatic efforts by US President Donald Trump to push for a temporary ceasefire from May 9 to 11. The truce had little effect, and there are still no signs of a peace agreement. Last week, Russia launched several deadly attacks on Ukraine, including one in Kyiv that destroyed an apartment building and killed 24 people. Ukraine has also intensified its own drone strikes deep inside Russia. On Sunday, one of its largest attacks reportedly killed at least four people, including three near Moscow, and injured around a dozen others. Over the past four years of war, Ukraine has developed long-range drones capable of hitting Russian oil facilities and other strategic sites, putting pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin as his forces struggle to make major gains on the battlefield. Russia's Defense Ministry said on Sunday that more than 1,000 Ukrainian drones were either shot down or jammed within 24 hours, including about 80 headed toward Moscow. Zelenskyy said Ukraine's expanding strike capability is changing both the battlefield and international views of the conflict. “Our long-range capabilities are significantly changing the situation,” he wrote on social media platform X late Sunday. “Many partners now see what is happening and how attitudes toward this war are changing.” Zelenskyy said the bombardment in Dnipropetrovsk lasted six hours and damaged energy infrastructure and residential buildings. Ukraine's emergency service said at least 26 people, including two children, were wounded in the region. Authorities also reported damage in the Odesa Oblast, Chernihiv Oblast and Zaporizhzhia Oblast regions. Meanwhile, Russia's Defense Ministry said its air defense systems shot down 50 Ukrainian drones between late Sunday and early Monday. Putin is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing later this week as ties between Russia and China continue to strengthen amid Western efforts to isolate Moscow.

Russia carried out a large-scale drone and missile attack on Ukraine’s capital early Thursday, killing at least one person and injuring 31, local officials said. Ukrainian authorities said the strikes hit residential areas and civilian infrastructure across multiple cities, with Kyiv bearing the heaviest damage. Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, said six districts in the capital were affected. He warned that Russia used a mix of ballistic missiles and drones in the attack, damaging homes and public facilities. Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said several other cities, including Kremenchuk, Bila Tserkva, Kharkiv, Sumy and Odesa, were also targeted in the coordinated assault involving both cruise and ballistic missiles. In Kyiv’s Darnytsia district, part of a multi-storey residential building collapsed after being hit, trapping people under debris. Emergency services said at least 27 people were pulled out alive from the rubble. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said 18 apartments were destroyed and reported disruptions in water supply on the city’s left bank following the strikes. Rescue teams continued searching through debris as smoke rose from damaged buildings. Emergency workers said operations were also ongoing in Obolonskyi and Holosiivskyi districts. Residents described hearing repeated explosions during the early hours of the morning. “I heard many blasts and rockets around 3 a.m. Then the building shook and there was a loud explosion, and all my windows shattered,” said 78-year-old resident Lyudmila Hlushko. In another incident, a drone struck the roof of a five-storey residential building in the Dnieper district, while a separate building in the Dniprovskyi district was also damaged, officials said. The overnight attack came just hours after another major daytime strike on Kyiv that killed at least six people, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. That earlier assault involved around 800 drones and hit nearly 20 regions across Ukraine. Zelenskyy said the sustained attacks were aimed at causing “maximum pain and suffering” to civilians. The escalation comes amid renewed talk of possible peace efforts. U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday he believes Russia and Ukraine could soon reach a deal to end the war, while Russian President Vladimir Putin recently suggested the conflict may be “coming to an end.” However, neither side has outlined any concrete progress, and both continue to hold sharply different demands. Previous diplomatic efforts led by the United States have stalled over key issues, including territorial control and long-term security guarantees.