Russian strikes hit Ukrainian cities as Kyiv navigates domestic political friction

Russian forces launched widespread overnight missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, inflicting heavy damage on civilian infrastructure in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Chernihiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed extensive casualties from the coordinated bombardment, with over a dozen fatalities and dozens injured. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces directed drone strikes toward Moscow, where several were intercepted by air defenses.

Simultaneously, the Ukrainian administration faces domestic political friction. Anti-corruption investigators conducted raids targeting figures linked to the presidential office amid graft and money-laundering inquiries. Political figures including Mykhailo Fedorov renewed calls for wartime national elections, arguing that democratic governance must continue, as parliament prepared to vote on appointing Yevhenii Khmara as the new defense minister.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, Il Sole 24 Ore, La Repubblica