Russia claims drone interceptions as Kyiv reports missile attack; EU extends sanctions

Russia reported intercepting 660 Ukrainian drones overnight across numerous regions, including Moscow. Concurrently, explosions were heard in Kyiv, with the Ukrainian air force indicating a missile was directed at the capital. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated Kyiv's intent to conduct "preemptive attacks" on Russian territory. The Kremlin, through spokesperson Dmitri Peskov, asserted that Ukrainian strikes stem from deteriorating front-line conditions, claiming Russian forces are advancing "along the entire front" and predicting "irreversible" outcomes for Kyiv. Separately, the European Council extended economic sanctions against Russia until summer 2027, and a first installment of a €90 billion European loan has been disbursed to Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for "mutual respect" and "understanding of history" between Poles and Ukrainians at a reconstruction conference in Gdansk.

Sources: Le Monde — International