Russian air attacks on Kyiv and the surrounding region have entered their sixth consecutive day, killing nine people and injuring more than a dozen, according to Ukrainian authorities. The latest strikes have intensified pressure on Ukraine’s capital as Moscow continues attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, border crossings and logistical facilities.
Deadly Strikes Hit Kyiv Region
Eight people, including three children, were killed in Kyiv, while fires broke out at several locations across the capital. Another person was killed and nine injured in Boryspil in the wider Kyiv region after missiles and drones damaged an apartment building and a business facility.
The repeated attacks are disrupting daily life for millions of Ukrainians, with air raid alerts issued across much of the country. Russia has also increased attacks against Ukraine’s borders, energy infrastructure and logistics networks.
A Russian strike on Tuesday disrupted border crossings into Romania, a NATO and European Union member, at Orlivka on the Danube River, highlighting the wider risks posed by the intensifying conflict.
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Attacks Extend Across the Region
The escalation has also continued inside Russia. A Ukrainian drone attack caused a fire in the port area of Ust Luga, one of Russia’s major export outlets on the Baltic Sea. Moscow also reported efforts to repel drone attacks.
In Russia’s Samara region, around 800 km southeast of Moscow and home to several major oil refineries, an air attack damaged civilian facilities, according to the regional governor.
Both Moscow and Kyiv deny deliberately targeting civilians, while Reuters was unable to independently verify the reported damage.
Peace Efforts Continue Despite Escalation
The latest attacks come as diplomatic efforts continue to find a settlement to the war, now in its fourth year since Russia launched its full scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he held a detailed and constructive discussion with U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Kyiv and Washington are working to finalise dates for a planned visit by the U.S. representatives to Ukraine as part of efforts to advance negotiations.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also told Russian President Vladimir Putin that the war needed to end for humanity’s sake. Putin responded that Moscow was continuing to move along that path.
Growing NATO Security Concerns
The continuing attacks are also increasing security concerns among NATO members, particularly countries bordering Russia. Several members have strengthened military readiness amid a rise in drone incidents near their territory.
NATO’s Baltic air policing mission temporarily activated fighter jets in Latvia, while Finland imposed restrictions on air and maritime traffic near Russia. Estonia also briefly issued an air threat alert.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna praised NATO’s rapid response, saying the alliance had reacted as planned.
The developments underline the widening security implications of the Ukraine war, with continued Russian and Ukrainian strikes occurring alongside renewed diplomatic efforts. While negotiations remain active, the latest escalation around Kyiv and growing drone activity near NATO territory demonstrate how far the conflict remains from a stable resolution.
With information from Reuters.
