At 1.30am local time, explosions began ripping across Kyiv. Ukrainian officials later confirmed that Russia had fired around four dozen ballistic missiles at the capital—the largest number in a single attack since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. One person was killed, at least 16 were injured, and fires broke out in five districts, hitting residential buildings, offices, a dormitory and a supermarket.
This is what is happening and who is involved. Russia launched a coordinated wave of ballistic missiles—including Iskander and hypersonic Zircon missiles—and 125 drones at Kyiv overnight. Ukraine's air force said it shot down 18 of 41 missiles and 108 drones, but dozens got through. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it "one of the most massive ballistic attacks on Kyiv" since the war began. In the past week alone, Russia has used about 1,450 strike drones, more than 1,640 guided bombs and 99 missiles against Ukraine, according to Zelensky.
“Russia launched its biggest ballistic missile attack on Kyiv since the invasion; UK pledges continued support.”
The background to this escalation is a deepening tit-for-tat. The strikes came a day after Ukrainian drones hit two warehouses belonging to Wildberries, Russia's biggest online retailer, killing eight people and causing major fires. Ukraine has also intensified long-range drone attacks on Russian oil infrastructure; Kyiv claims nearly 43% of Russia's oil refining capacity has been "disabled" (a figure the BBC has not independently verified). Ukraine argues these are legitimate targets because Moscow relies on fossil fuel exports to finance its invasion. Meanwhile, Russia's wartime economy is showing strain: cash in circulation has risen by 1.56 trillion roubles since January, linked to frequent internet blackouts that disrupt card payments. More Russians are using cash, making it harder for the Kremlin to collect tax revenue.
Why does this matter for UK readers? Britain has been one of Ukraine's strongest backers. On his final visit to Kyiv as prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer announced £255m in fresh funding, including 16 advanced aircraft, and reaffirmed "unwavering" support. He said Ukraine's fight "has preserved European security" and that the UK would not waver even with a change in leadership (Andy Burnham is set to become prime minister). Starmer also highlighted that Ukrainian flags still fly above Downing Street and town halls across the UK. The 100-year partnership signed between the two countries aims to deepen defence and trade ties. For UK readers, the war directly affects European security, energy prices, and the geopolitical landscape. Any shift in momentum—like Russia intensifying missile attacks—could influence how long the war lasts and what it costs British taxpayers.
Q: What are ballistic missiles and why are they so dangerous? Ballistic missiles follow a high trajectory and can reach speeds of Mach 5 or more, making them extremely hard to intercept. They carry large warheads and are often used to target cities or infrastructure because of their speed and destructive power. Hypersonic Zircon missiles are even faster and more maneuverable, posing a severe challenge to air defences.
Q: How much support has the UK given to Ukraine? The UK has been one of Ukraine's largest military and financial backers. Sir Keir Starmer's final visit included £255m for 16 advanced aircraft. A 100-year partnership was signed to boost defence and trade ties. The UK also helped establish a future peacekeeping force. Starmer said support for Ukraine is "in our bones" and will continue under the new prime minister.
Q: Is Russia's economy struggling because of the war? Yes. Growing cash usage—up 1.56 trillion roubles since January—signals a shift away from digital payments as internet blackouts disrupt card transactions. This makes it harder for the Kremlin to collect taxes. Russia also faces a widening budget deficit and the rising cost of the war. Ukraine's drone strikes on oil refineries have hit Russia's key revenue source.
What happens next? Ukrainian MPs are expected to vote on a new defence minister after Zelensky dismissed popular minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The UK will soon have a new prime minister, Andy Burnham, but Starmer assured Zelensky that support will remain constant. On the battlefield, Russia continues to launch massive air attacks while Ukraine strikes back with drones. The war shows no sign of de-escalation, and the coming weeks will test both Ukraine's air defences and Russia's economic resilience.
