What's happened
Russian strikes and drone attacks have hit Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. The attacks target the Kyiv Academy of Sciences and other infrastructure, killing and injuring civilians. Kyiv says the assault marks a new level in Moscow’s campaign, with jet-powered drones proving harder to intercept.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- Russia’s use of jet-powered drones is a step up in tempo and lethality, challenging Ukraine’s air defenses.
- The strikes on scientific facilities and infrastructure send a political message about frustrating Western-backed civilian resilience.
- The timing coincides with renewed calls for arms deliveries and intelligence sharing from Kyiv’s government.
Implications for readers:
- Eastern European stability could hinge on effective defense systems and allied support.
- Civilians face greater disruption as essential services come under pressure.
Forecast:
- Intercept capabilities will shape the next phase of the campaign; new interceptors are being tested and deployed to limit civilian harm.
How we got here
Tensions in Ukraine have escalated over weeks as Russia widens its drone and missile campaign, including strikes on scientific facilities and energy infrastructure. Ukrainian authorities say Western aid, including air defenses, is essential as Moscow expands its attack vectors.
Our analysis
Al Jazeera reports explosions in Kyiv and the academy attack; Arab News notes intensified strikes and calls for more Patriot interceptors; both sources cite Zelensky and Kyiv officials detailing casualties and targets.
Go deeper
- What new targets have been hit in Kyiv today?
- How are Western allies responding to Kyiv’s call for more air defense?
- What does this mean for civilian life in major cities?
More on these topics
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Kyiv - Capital and largest city of Ukraine
Kyiv, also Kiev, is the capital and most populous city of Ukraine. Located in the north-central part of the country, it straddles both banks of the Dnieper River. As of January 2022, the population of Kyiv was 2,952,301, making it the seventh-most populou
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Russia - Country
Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Ukraine - Country in Europe
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine - Governing body of protected sites
The National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine is a self-governing state-funded organization in Ukraine that is the main center of development of science and technology by coordinating a system of research institutes in the country.