Ukraine faces political strains and Russian strikes as Fedorov calls for elections

Ukraine faces mounting political pressure alongside widespread Russian missile and drone bombardments. Following his dismissal, former official Mykhailo Fedorov publicly urged new elections, stating that democracy "cannot be hostage to Russia." Meanwhile, the Ukrainian parliament prepared to vote on appointing Yevhenii Khmara as defense minister, coinciding with anti-corruption raids involving figures connected to the presidential administration.

On the battlefield, Russian attacks struck Kyiv, Odesa, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv. A strike on an ammunition depot near Kyiv triggered secondary explosions close to residential housing, leaving at least 37 people dead. President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed retaliation while insisting that individuals responsible for storing explosive materials near residential areas must answer for their decisions. In response, Ukrainian forces launched retaliatory drone strikes targeting Moscow.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica.