Kyiv attacked after Ukraine launches coalition to tackle Russia missiles

Key Points:

• Russia launched a new ballistic missile attack on Kyiv, causing fires in the Holosiivskyi district, as Ukrainian air defence units attempted to repel the strikes.
• The attack follows the announcement of an air defence coalition by Ukraine and nine European countries aimed at countering Russia’s ballistic missile threat, with plans to develop a new, cost-effective anti-ballistic missile system called Freyja.
• The coalition, involving 10 countries and defense firms, seeks to create an integrated missile defence architecture to protect Europe, complementing existing systems like the US Patriot missiles.
• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy emphasized that enhanced missile defence capabilities would pressure Russia to negotiate, while Kyiv continues drone attacks on Russian targets amid ongoing missile barrages on civilian areas.
• At the Paris talks, France announced Ukraine’s order for new Franco-Italian air defence systems and Rafale fighter jets, alongside plans for multinational military exercises in neighboring countries to prepare for post-ceasefire deployment.