Ukraine and Russia trade strikes following US diplomatic visit as NATO conducts drills

Ukraine and Russia conducted further mutual strikes following the conclusion of US diplomatic visits to Kyiv. Russian ballistic missile strikes against the Ukrainian capital resulted in at least two fatalities and six injuries, following earlier drone damage to an industrial plant in northern Ukraine.

In response, Ukrainian drone attacks targeted Russia's Saratov and Samara regions, igniting a fire at the Kuibyshev oil refinery. Samara regional officials reported that air defense forces intercepted dozens of incoming uncrewed aerial vehicles aimed at industrial facilities.

Simultaneously, US-led NATO forces initiated military maneuvers near Russia's Kaliningrad enclave. The operation involves Polish ground troops alongside American and Norwegian aircraft, including AWACS and EA-37 reconnaissance planes. NATO officials reaffirmed that the alliance operates defensively to maintain operational readiness.

Sources: Investor.bg, Mediapool, Nova TV