Massive Russian Assault; Ukrainian Strike Hits Russia

Russia launched a massive, hours‑long barrage of roughly 500–600 drones and about 48 missiles at Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine, which air defenses shot down the majority of, and independent monitors called one of the heaviest strikes since 2022. Ukrainian officials said the assault killed at least four people in Kyiv — including a 12‑year‑old girl — wounded dozens and damaged hospitals, housing, factories and other civilian infrastructure across multiple regions. In a separate incident, Russian authorities said a Ukrainian drone strike in Voskresensk outside Moscow sparked a fire that killed a 76‑year‑old woman and her six‑year‑old grandson; regional officials reported four drones shot down and Moscow said 84 drones were intercepted nationally. The attacks prompted defensive measures in neighbouring Poland, which temporarily closed airspace near two southeastern cities and scrambled jets, while Kyiv and international observers condemned the strikes and urged stronger measures to raise the cost of further escalation. Separately, U.S. Vice‑President J.D. Vance said Washington is considering Ukraine’s request for long‑range Tomahawk missiles — a step that could put Russian territory in range and risk further escalation — with final approval to rest with President Trump.