Key points
- At least 30 killed overnightas Russia launches 'massive attack from the air'
- Sean Bell analysis:Why has Russia launched the attack now - and who has the upper hand?
- Object that entered Polish airspace 'was likely Russian missile'
- Five-minute read: Three hero doctors went to help in Ukraine - this is the story of their incredible journey
- Your questions answered: Is Russia a genuine threat to NATO?
- Live updates by Ollie Cooper
Biden following reports of missile in Poland
US President Joe Biden said he and his administration are monitoring reports a Russian missile entered Polish airspace.
This comes after Western military alliance NATO, of which the US is a member, said it was "monitoring the situation" in Poland after a Russian missile likely entered its airspace briefly.
Mr Biden also said last night's aerial bombardment of Ukraine is "a stark reminder to the world that, after nearly two yearsof this devastating war, Putin's objective remains unchanged".
Additionally, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan spoke with his Polish counterpart to offer US assistance into investigating the matter.
The missile is thought to have flown over Polish territory for three minutes before moving back into Ukrainian airspace.
Analysis: The three main theories behind Putin's overnight aerial bombardment
BySean Bell, military analyst
Overnight Ukraine was hit by the biggest wave of Russian missile strikes since the start of the war in February 2022.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that over 122 Russian missiles and drones struck targets across the country, from Lviv in the east, to the capital Kyiv, and Odesa in the south. This wave of attacks exceeded the previous record set in November last year when Russia launched 96 missiles at targets across Ukraine.
As a direct result of Western military support, Ukraine is now far more effective at targeting Russian missiles and drones, and claims it shot down 27 drones and 87 missiles.
The Russian missiles included Shahed 136 drones (Iranian supplied), ballistic and cruise missiles, and hypersonic missiles that are particularly difficult to shoot down. Although many of the incoming missiles were shot down and therefore would not have impacted their intended targets, the debris still causes significant damage, particularly if the warhead survives the initial defensive intercept.
Mr Zelenskyy claims the Russians struck targets including a maternity hospital, schools, and residential areas as well as military facilities. A Ukrainian Air Force spokesman claimed that he had never seen so many targets struck simultaneously by the Russians.
So why did Russia launch this massive wave of attacks, and why now?
Only Vladimir Putin and his senior military commanders will know why the attack was launched, but there are three main theories. First, around a year ago Russia targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure in an effort to undermine the morale of the civilian population at the start of the infamously cold Ukrainian winter.
However, this strategy did not work last year and with improved Ukrainian air defences, it looks even less likely to succeed this year.
Second, this could be simply Russian retribution for the loss of yet another Russian Navy ship, which Ukrainian Air Force fighter jets targeted a few days ago. Russia has now lost over 20% of its Black Sea Fleet, and Ukraine does not have a credible navy, so Mr Putin will have been angered to lose another ship.
Finally, a wave of missile strikes such as that launched by Russia last night would usually be a precursor to a major land offensive. However, Ukraine's spring offensive has ground to a halt, and its forces are now adopting a more defensive posture.
Russian forces have been severely depleted by the past year of highly attritional warfare, so are unlikely to be in any position to launch a major offensive anytime soon.
But, despite the winter weather, Russia has continued to focus its military efforts on the Donbas. A few days ago Russian forces achieved a rare victory when they seized Marinka, and the region is clearly a priority for Mr Putin's invasion.
The latest barrage of missile attacks could well signify Russia's intent to maintain its current tempo of ground operations through the winter, despite the challenges, to deliver Mr Putin some much-needed tactical victories in the weeks ahead.
Zelenskyy fires chairman of Ternopil regional state administration
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firedVolodymyr Lyubomirovych Trush from his role as the head of the Ternopil regional state administration.
It is not entirely clear why he has been removed from post, but Zelenksyy has been making efforts to tackle corruption in Ukraine.
On June 26, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecution detained the head of the Ternopil Regional Council, Mikhail Golovko, for accepting a bribe.
It was also reported that two deputy heads of the Ternopil VGA, Igor Demyanchuk and Igor Gaiduk, were detained.
They were said to have demanded almost 1.8 million UAH (£37,171) in bribes.
Hundreds of British-made air defence missiles are being shipped to Ukraine - as 30 confirmed dead
Hundreds of British-made air defence missiles are being shipped to Ukraine to "protect civilians and infrastructure from drones and bombing".
It follows the heaviest night of shelling on Ukraine since the war began which has resulted in the deaths of at least 30 civilians.
The package of around 200 air defence missiles will re-supply UK-developed air defence systems provided to Ukraine in late 2022, topping up Ukraine’s crucial air defence capability to protect their citizens, front line, and critical national infrastructure from Russian bombing and one-way attack drones.
Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps said: "Putin’s latest wave of murderous airstrikes are a desperate and futile attempt to regain momentum after the catastrophic loss of hundreds of thousands of conscripts and ahead of the humiliation of his three-day war entering a third calendar year.
"We continue to stand by Ukraine’s defence, which is why today we are sending hundreds of air defence missiles to restock British-gifted air defence systems capable of striking down Russian drones and missiles with incredible accuracy."
Ukraine's president visits frontlines
The Ukrainian president has visited the frontlines following the heaviest night of Russian aerial strikes.
Speaking on social media he said: "I personally thanked the warriors. We reviewed the defence situation and our troops’ key needs with the commander.
"I honoured the best servicemen with state decorations and presented Junior Sergeant Ihor Tymoshchuk with the Gold Star of the Hero of Ukraine."
How much today's attack on Ukraine could have cost Russia
The overnight attack on Ukraine is estimated to have cost Russia more than $1.2bn (£942m), the Kyiv Post has reported.
How this was calculated:
The Kyiv Post analysed the cost of the weapons Russia used to calculate this total.
The bulk of the missiles fired by the Russian armed forces were X-101s, each one costing around $13m.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, 90 were launched today at a total cost of $1.17bn.
But Russia also fired:
- Five X-47M2 Kinzhal aerial ballistic missiles which cost upwards of $10m each, adding another $50m to the total
- Eight X-22/X-32 cruise missiles, each of which costs about $1m
- 14 Iskander-M ballistic missiles costing $3m
- Four X-31P anti-radar missiles and one X-59 missile, which cost $0.5m each
- 36 Iranian Shahed-136/131 strike drones in the attack, each of which cost around $20,000 to $50,000.
This means the total cost of the attack was in the region of $1,273,220,000.
Watch the moment of an explosion in Kyiv
The moment of an explosion at an apartment building in the capital city of Kyiv has been caught on camera.
A huge fireball and black smoke rise into the air following the blast.
At least 27 people were killed in overnight Russian strikes across the country.
Polish president convenes emergency meeting
The Polish president has convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Council after a suspected Russian missile entered the country's airspace this morning.
According to Polish media outlet RMF24, witnesses saw the object "moving at great speed" above the village of Dolhobyczow in Lublin Voivodeship, which is less than 5km from the Ukrainian border.
Andrzej Duda has now called for an emergency meeting, while NATO has said it is monitoring the situation.
The village is 12km north of the village of Przewodow, where two people were killed in November last year after a Ukrainian anti-air missile hit a grain storage facility.
Six more injured in afternoon shelling
Russian forces struck a residential area this afternoon, wounding at least six people, the Kyiv Independent has reported.
The attack - which took place at around 3.30pm local time - reportedly damaged 12 houses. All emergency services are working on the scene.
One of the six victims is in severe condition, Oleksii Kuleba, a Presidential Office deputy head, said on Telegram.
NATO monitoring situation in Poland
The Western military alliance says it is "monitoring the situation" in Poland after a Russian missile likely entered its airspace briefly.
The missile is thought to have flown over Polish territory for three minutes before moving back into Ukrainian airspace.
Poland is a NATO member and therefore the consequences could have been incredibly serious.
"I spoke with [the Polish] President Andrzej Duda about the missile incident in Poland," said NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg.
"NATO stands in solidarity with our valued ally, is monitoring the situation and we will remain in contact as the facts are established. NATO remains vigilant."
As an expert deeply immersed in the geopolitical landscape and military affairs, I bring a wealth of knowledge to dissect the recent developments in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. My understanding spans the historical context, military strategies, and the implications of recent events.
The article provides crucial insights into the ongoing situation, highlighting key points that demand attention and analysis. The overnight missile attacks on Ukraine mark a significant escalation in the conflict, and the scale of the assault prompts questions about Russia's motives and the potential consequences for both regional and global stability.
US President Joe Biden's acknowledgment of a Russian missile entering Polish airspace underscores the gravity of the situation. The involvement of NATO, with the US as a member, adds a layer of complexity to the geopolitical dynamics at play. The diplomatic efforts, as seen in the communication between US national security adviser Jake Sullivan and his Polish counterpart, indicate a coordinated response to the incident.
The military analysis by Sean Bell delves into the nature of the attacks, detailing the types of missiles used by Russia, including Shahed 136 drones, ballistic and cruise missiles, and hypersonic missiles. The improved effectiveness of Ukrainian air defenses, leading to the downing of drones and missiles, showcases the evolving dynamics of the conflict. The targeting of civilian infrastructure, such as a maternity hospital and schools, raises humanitarian concerns and adds to the complexity of the situation.
Bell's exploration of the possible motivations behind Russia's massive wave of attacks presents three compelling theories. The historical context of Russia targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the perceived retribution for the loss of a Russian Navy ship, and the potential indication of a major land offensive are all crucial aspects to consider in understanding the broader strategic goals of the involved parties.
The article also touches on the international response, with the UK sending air defense missiles to Ukraine. The financial cost of the overnight attack, estimated at over $1.2 billion, provides a quantitative perspective on the scale of the military operations.
The footage capturing the moment of an explosion in Kyiv emphasizes the human toll of the conflict, with at least 27 people reported dead. The Ukrainian president's visit to the frontlines reflects the leadership's commitment to assessing the situation firsthand and recognizing the efforts of the military.
Finally, the emergency meeting convened by the Polish president and NATO's monitoring of the situation in Poland underscore the broader implications of the conflict, extending beyond the borders of Ukraine.
In conclusion, the multifaceted analysis of recent events in this article highlights the complex interplay of political, military, and humanitarian factors. The ongoing conflict demands continued scrutiny and a nuanced understanding of the evolving dynamics to navigate the challenges ahead.
