Russia and Ukraine exchange strikes while NATO conducts maneuvers near Kaliningrad

A fresh wave of mutual bombardments has struck Ukraine and Russia following the departure of American envoys from Kyiv. Russian ballistic missiles hit the Ukrainian capital overnight, killing at least two people and injuring six others, shortly after Russian drones damaged an industrial plant in northern Ukraine.

In response, Ukrainian forces launched retaliatory drone strikes targeting Russia's Saratov and Samara regions. A major fire broke out at the Kuibyshev oil refinery in Samara, where local Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishev reported that air defenses intercepted dozens of incoming drones aimed at industrial facilities.

Concurrently, reports cited increased US-led NATO military maneuvers surrounding Russia's Kaliningrad enclave, involving Polish ground troops alongside American and Norwegian aircraft. NATO officials reiterated that the coalition remains a "defensive alliance" focused on maintaining readiness capabilities.

Sources: Investor.bg, Mediapool, Nova TV