What's happened
Ukraine has intercepted the majority of drones but cannot shoot down missiles, leaving Kyiv reliant on international air defences as Russia mounts a new string of ballistic attacks. At least 17 people are dead and dozens are wounded in Kyiv and surrounding areas.
What's behind the headline?
Key questions for readers
- What does it mean that Ukraine intercepted drones but not missiles?
- How are allies adapting to keep Patriot-style interceptors flowing?
- What are the likely next moves for both sides?
Context and implications
- The strikes highlight a persistent mismatch between drone and missile defence and the strain on Ukrainian logistics.
- The reliance on foreign air-defence systems could shape future Western support and military planning.
Forecast
- Short term: Kyiv will press partners for more interceptors and ammunition.
- Medium term: Russia could intensify missile strikes if air defences don’t scale up.
- Long term: The conflict could hinge on sustained logistics and defence aid.
How we got here
The attacks come amid renewed Russian pressure after months of escalating strikes. Ukraine has warned that air-defence shortages will persist as Moscow focuses ballistic missiles on Kyiv and critical infrastructure.
Our analysis
France 24 reports that Ukrainian air defences have intercepted 98 of 115 drones but could not shoot down missiles; Kyiv says Patriot-level interceptors are in short supply. SBS notes Zelenskyy has called for more air defence and warned that supplies from allies have declined. Both outlets quote residents and officials about the impact on Kyiv's daily life.
Go deeper
- What has changed since yesterday in Ukraine's air-defence situation?
- Are any new international pledges on Patriot interceptors confirmed?
- How are civilians managing in Kyiv after the strikes?
More on these topics
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Agence France-Presse - Press company
Agence France-Presse is an international news agency headquartered in Paris, France. Founded in 1835 as Havas, it is the world's oldest news agency.
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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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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