Ukraine war briefing: Kyiv protest organiser disowns Mykhailo Fedorov’s call for elections

Key Points:

• Protests against Zelenskyy’s dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov as defense minister have largely subsided after Fedorov called for elections, which organizers deem impossible during wartime and contrary to the protests’ original aim of seeking dialogue with the government.
• Ukraine faced a severe Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv, resulting in at least 16 deaths and damage to civilian infrastructure, prompting President Zelenskyy to call for a stronger global response and improved anti-ballistic defense.
• Romania intercepted a Russian marine drone loaded with explosives near an offshore gas project, condemning the escalation, while the European Commission chief warned of Russia’s hybrid warfare targeting EU unity and called for enhanced defense measures.
• Poland arrested a Ukrainian man accused of attempting to assassinate a Ukrainian arms industry representative on behalf of Russian intelligence, with the suspect charged after a failed remote-detonated explosive device incident in Kyiv.
• Ukraine’s military struck Russian oil facilities in the Tatarstan and Krasnodar regions, causing fires and contributing to fuel shortages and rationing in Moscow, where public frustration has led to long queues and confrontations at gas stations.