Royal Navy frigates to be based in Portsmouth
A new class of Royal Navy frigates will be based in Portsmouth the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed.
In response to a question from the BBC, the MoD said all five of the new Type 31 general purpose frigates will replace ships previously based at the Hampshire naval base.
The new frigates are currently being built in Rosyth in Fife, with the first due to enter service in a couple of years time.
Portsmouth City Council leader Steve Pitt said the news was "important to the city".
The vessels will undertake a variety of operational roles, including interception and disruption of illegal activity at sea, intelligence gathering and defence engagement.
They will replace the five general-purpose Type-23 frigates currently in service with the Royal Navy.
The Type 31 frigates will have advanced capabilities fitted onboard, including a supersonic anti-air missile defence system, as well as Bofors naval guns and a 4D radar system.
There will also be space to house a Royal Navy helicopter.
Portsmouth is already home to six 45 destroyers and the two Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers.
Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard hinted at the news during his visit to Portsmouth for the departure of the Royal Navy's flagship HMS Prince of Wales on its deployment on Tuesday.
The announcement also means the maintenance and refits of the ships will be carried out locally.
Mr Pitt said: "It's fantastic to get confirmation that Portsmouth Naval Base is to get the additional warships, helping to secure the future of the Naval Base. which is so important to the city."
The MoD has also confirmed that the eight Type 26 anti-submarine frigates will, as expected, be based at HMNB Devonport in Plymouth.
Mr Pollard also said there would be extra spending on the Royal Marines and the Royal Navy as part of the government's increase in the defence budget.
The government's strategic defence review is due to be published later in the spring.
You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
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17 hours ago
- Yahoo
Ukraine war latest: Russia hits Ukraine with large-scale attack days after Operation Spiderweb; Ukraine targets Russian air bases in 'preemptive strike'
Key developments on June 6: Russia hits Ukraine with large-scale attack days after Operation Spiderweb Ukraine strikes Russian air bases in 'preemptive strike' ahead of drone, missile attack, General Staff says Ukrainian drone attack destroys helicopter at Russian airfield in Bryansk, media says Russia plans to occupy Ukraine east of Dnipro, cut Black Sea access, Ukrainian official says Russia launched a mass missile and drone attack against Ukraine overnight on June 6, targeting the capital, major cities, and the country's far-western regions. A total of 80 people were injured and four people killed, including first responders, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. "A cynical Russian strike on ordinary cities. More than 400 drones, more than 40 missiles. ... We need to put pressure on Russia to (accept a ceasefire) and to stop the strikes," he said. The attack comes a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin promised to retaliate against Ukraine for its drone strike against Russian air bases in a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. Ukraine's Air Force reported that Russia launched 452 drones overnight, including Iranian-designed Shahed-type suicide drones, along with 45 missiles of various types. Air defenses intercepted 199 drones, while another 169 dropped off radars — likely used as decoys to overwhelm Ukrainian systems. Ukrainian forces also intercepted 36 missiles, including the Iskander-M ballistic missile. "Russia doesn't change its stripes — another massive strike on cities and ordinary life. They targeted almost all of Ukraine — Volyn, Lviv, Ternopil, Kyiv, Sumy, Poltava, Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy, and Chernihiv regions," Zelensky said the morning after the attacks. "Russia must be held accountable for this. Since the first minute of this war, they have been striking cities and villages to destroy life." The Russian Defense Ministry claimed on the morning of June 6 that the overnight attack was a "response" to Operation Spiderweb and alleged that the "goal of the strike was achieved" and the "designated objects were hit." But Moscow needs no excuse to bombard Ukraine with drones and missiles, as the mass strikes Russia launched against Ukrainian cities in the days before Spiderweb prove. For three consecutive nights in the last week of May, Russia targeted Ukraine with some of the heaviest aerial attacks since the start of the full-scale war. Aerial strikes against civilian targets have been a regular feature of Russia's all-out war since February 2022. Ukrainian forces struck multiple Russian airfields and military facilities overnight on June 6, hours before Russia launched one of its heaviest aerial assaults of the war, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported. Ukrainian strikes reportedly targeted Engels and Dyagilevo airfields — two key hubs for Russia's long-range bomber fleet, as well as logistics sites in Russia's Kursk Oblast. Hours after the strikes, Russia attacked Ukraine with 452 drones and 45 missiles in one of the largest attacks of the full-scale war. Engels-2 air base, located in Saratov Oblast, nearly 600 kilometers (370 miles) from Ukraine's front lines, hosts Russia's Tu-95, Tu-22M3, and Tu-160 bombers — aircraft regularly used in missile attacks on Ukrainian cities. Ukraine's General Staff said a strike ignited large fires at the facility, hitting at least three fuel tanks. Footage and local reports confirmed a significant blaze and numerous explosions in the area. Saratov Governor Roman Busargin acknowledged a fire at an unspecified "industrial enterprise" and damage from drones to a residential building. No casualties were reported. The Dyagilevo airfield in Ryazan Oblast, home to air refueling tankers and bomber escort fighters, was also targeted. The General Staff reported fire damage in the area, with Russian air defense activity and explosions recorded. Results of the strike are still being assessed. Ukraine also claims to have struck a logistics center tied to the 30th Motorized Rifle Regiment of Russia's 72nd Division near Kulbaki in Kursk Oblast. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed that 174 Ukrainian drones were intercepted overnight across 12 regions of Russia and occupied Crimea. "Strikes on military infrastructure will continue until the Russian Federation's armed aggression against Ukraine is completely stopped," Ukraine's General Staff said. The latest wave of Ukrainian strikes underscores Kyiv's evolving long-range strike capability, as well as its efforts to preemptively degrade Russian assets used in air assaults. Read also: 'Find and destroy' – how Ukraine's own Peaky Blinders mastered the art of bomber drones Ukrainian drones struck Bryansk International Airport in Russia overnight on June 6, destroying one combat helicopter and damaging another, according to Russian emergency officials cited by independent media outlet Astra. The attack was part of a broader Ukrainian operation targeting multiple Russian airfields and military facilities the same evening. According to Astra's sources within Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry, the attack destroyed a Mi-8 helicopter after its onboard munitions detonated. A second aircraft, a Mi-35 helicopter gunship, was also damaged, though the extent of the damage remains unclear. The strike reportedly caused additional destruction to airport infrastructure and rescue facilities, but no casualties were reported. Sources within Ukraine's special services confirmed to Astra that Bryansk airport was among the intended targets of the attack. The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims. The Mi-8 is a multipurpose utility aircraft used for troop transport, reconnaissance, and close air support. The Mi-35 is a heavily armed assault helicopter derived from the Soviet-era Mi-24, with dual capability for offensive operations and personnel transport. Both aircraft types are actively used by Russia in its war against Ukraine. Read also: Russia's Engels oil refinery ablaze after reported drone attack in Saratov Oblast Russia aims to occupy all Ukrainian territory east of the Dnipro River and advance toward Odesa and Mykolaiv in a broader plan to sever Ukraine's access to the Black Sea, President Volodymyr Zelensky's Deputy Chief of Staff Pavlo Palisa said, Politico reported on June 6. The remarks come amid continuing Russian offensives in eastern and northern Ukraine, along with escalating diplomatic efforts that have yet to yield a ceasefire. According to Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR), Moscow hopes to seize the entirety of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts by this fall and establish a buffer zone along Ukraine's northern border with Russia. The second phase of the plan envisions more ambitious territorial gains, including an advance into southern Ukraine aimed at cutting the country off from the sea. "Unfortunately, they are not speaking about peace. They are preparing for war," Palisa said during a press briefing at the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington. Read also: Trump quietly pressuring Senate to weaken Russia sanctions, WSJ reports The warning comes days after Russia presented Ukraine with a so-called "peace memorandum" during a second round of negotiations in Istanbul on June 2. The document, published by Russian state media outlet TASS, demands that Kyiv recognize Russia's claimed annexation of four Ukrainian oblasts — Kherson, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Luhansk — and fully withdraw from them. Moscow also calls for Ukraine's demobilization and a formal ban on NATO membership. During the talks, Ukraine's delegation submitted a separate proposal calling for an all-for-all prisoner exchange, the return of abducted Ukrainian children, and the release of civilians held in Russian captivity. Kyiv also reiterated its call for a Western-backed 30-day ceasefire as a foundation for future negotiations — a proposal Moscow again rejected. Ukraine's military leadership has warned that Russian forces are preparing for a major summer offensive in Donetsk Oblast, where daily assaults have continued since 2022. Despite suffering heavy losses, Russian troops are advancing through mass wave attacks that gain only tens of meters per day. According to the U.S.-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Moscow currently occupies roughly 20% of Ukraine. Read also: EU tariffs on Ukrainian goods return after 3 years of war, complicating Kyiv's path to European integration Ukraine War Latest is put together by the Kyiv Independent news desk team, who keep you informed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you value our work and want to ensure we have the resources to continue, join the Kyiv Independent community. We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Yahoo
Russia Executes Revenge Strikes Against Ukraine For Blowing Up Its Bombers
In one of the war's largest cross-border exchanges, Ukrainian forces hit airfields, fuel depots and other military targets while Russia launched hundreds of drones and scores of missiles at cities across Ukraine that killed at least three and wounded dozens. The bombardment came just days after Ukraine launched a wide-scale, successful attack on long-range military aviation assets from within Russia. You can read more about that in our coverage here. Ukraine launched 'a preemptive strike' on several Russian military targets ahead of a looming Russian attack, the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff claimed on Facebook. 'On the eve of the massive enemy shelling, enemy airfields and other important military facilities were hit.' Russia said its barrage was retaliation for the destruction of its bombers. A 'successful strike was carried out on the Engels airfield in the Saratov region – a place of concentration of enemy aircraft remaining after the operation of the Security Service of Ukraine,' the General Staff added. 'The Diaghilev airfield in the Ryazan region, where air tankers and escort fighters are based, which are used to provide missile strikes on the territory of Ukraine, was also hit.' Ukraine launches massive overnight strike on Russian territory: Bryansk airfield hit again — likely Iskanders targeted Oil depot in Engels serving bomber base Dyagilevo Air Base near Ryazan 'Progress' military plant in Michurinsk Blasts in Podolsk, Crimea & more — Ivan Khomenko (@KhomenkoIv60065) June 6, 2025 In addition, 'the Defense Forces of Ukraine attacked a number of important enemy facilities on the territory of the Russian Federation and temporarily occupied areas of Ukraine. In particular, the defeat of the logistics point of the 30th motorized rifle regiment of the 72nd motorized rifle division of the Russian Army near the settlement of Kulbaky, Kursk region, was recorded. The results of the defeat are being clarified. Strikes on military infrastructure will continue until the complete cessation of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.' The Russian Defense Ministry (MoD) downplayed the attacks, saying its 'alerted air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 174 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles over Bryansk, Rostov, Saratov, Voronezh, Kaluga, Kursk, Oryol, Ryazan, Tula, Belgorod, Tambov, and Moscow regions, and the Republic of Crimea.' The MoD also claimed that 'three Ukrainian Neptune-MD guided missiles were also destroyed over the Black Sea by air defense systems.' The War Zone cannot independently verify these claims. Videos and images emerged on social media showing the fuel depot at Engels, about 400 miles from the border, being struck and fully engulfed in flames. Ukrainian OWA-UAV overflying Volga river to hit the Rosrezerva fuel depot in Engels, already visibly burning in the video. — Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (BlueSky too) (@Archer83Able) June 6, 2025 Several Ukrainian long-range drones struck a fuel depot this morning at Russia's Engels-2 Airbase in the Saratov Oblast, causing a number of fires to erupt at the home of the 121st Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment and the 184th Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment. — OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) June 6, 2025 Ukraine strikes Russian air bases in 'preemptive strike' ahead of drone, missile attack, General Staff strikes reportedly targeted Engels and Dyagilevo airfields — two key hubs for Russia's long-range bomber — The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) June 6, 2025 The attack on Dyagilevo, about 300 miles from the border, was also captured on video. Russia's Dyagilevo, Ryazan Oblast – home to an airbase. TG/Supernova+ — Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) June 6, 2025 The extent of the destruction at either facility is as yet unclear, though clearly the raging fires at Engels have caused significant damage. Saratov Gov. Roman Busargin acknowledged an attack, but downplayed the damage. 'As a result of the UAV attack, there is a fire at one of the industrial enterprises in Engels,' he claimed on Telegram. 'There are no preliminary casualties. All relevant services are working on the scene. Specialists are taking all necessary measures to eliminate the consequences.' Satellite images we obtained of Dyagilevo appear to show little to no damage to the airfield operating area. A closer view shows a Tu-95MS Bear-H long-range turboprop bomber and two Il-76 Candid transport aircraft, covered in tires, parked at Dyagilevo. A decoy outline of a Candid can also be seen. Dyagilevo and Engels have been frequent targets for Ukraine. The former was attacked on June 1 during Ukraine's audacious Operation Spiderweb that saw several Russian bombers and other aircraft destroyed or damaged by drones launched from trucks by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). While a high-resolution satellite image of Dyagilevo from Planet Labs, taken on June 2 and reviewed by TWZ, showed no obvious signs of damage to any aircraft there, some may have been hit by shrapnel, against which relatively thin-skinned aircraft are notably vulnerable, and this would not necessarily be visible even in higher-resolution imagery. You can see one image taken in the aftermath of Operation Spider Web below. Satellite images of Dyagilevo Airbase as of June 2, 8:55 UTCThe airbase housed 3 Tu-95MS (Bear-H), 5 Tu-22M3 (Backfire-C), 14 Il-78M or Il-76MD (Midas or Candid) and 2 Su-30SM (Flanker-C).There was no serious damage after the Ukrainian special operation. In the right… — AviVector (@avivector) June 2, 2025 Engels was attacked three times in the month of December 2022 alone. On at least one of those occasions, the Russian Ministry of Defense said the air base was attacked by Soviet-made jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicles modified by Ukraine to carry explosives. Those attacks — which also targeted Dyagilevo Air Base — resulted in damage to at least one Tu-22M3 Backfire-C bomber and apparently also to a Tu-95MS. More recently, in March, ammunition and weapons storage bunkers at Engels were destroyed in a Ukrainian drone attack there. The attack resulted in a massive fireball and mushroom cloud. You can read our initial story about it here. In January of this year, we reported on a huge fire close to Engels Air Base, caused by what Russian officials described as a 'massive' Ukrainian drone attack. The strike was on the strategically important fuel storage tank farm for Engels and the fire raged for several days after, as seen in the image in the embedded tweet below: Russia's Rosreserv fuel depot in Engels continued to burn today after a Ukrainian drone attack last night, with multiple additional storage tanks igniting throughout the day. Within the last hour, the regional governor of Saratov declared a state of emergency. — OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) January 8, 2025 In addition to those bases, two Russian helicopters were struck by Ukrainian drones at the Bryansk International Airport, according to the ASTRA news outlet. That airport is located about 75 miles from the border. 'According to ASTRA sources in the Russian Emergencies Ministry, as a result of the hits, an Mi-8 combat helicopter completely burned down, and its combat kit detonated,' ASTRA claimed on Telegram. 'An Mi-35 helicopter was also partially damaged. In addition, the airport's administrative building and the rescue service building were damaged. Several dozen employees were evacuated from the Ozon warehouse, not far from which the airport is located. There were no casualties.' Video and images from the scene showed a massive explosion creating a large fireball at the airport. russian war correspondents confirm the destruction of Iskanders at an airfield in #BryanskHuge blow — Азов South 𝕏 (@Azovsouth) June 5, 2025 Bryanks airport in russia is struck by drones, causing a large explosion. — War Monitor Clips (@WarMonitorClips) June 6, 2025 Ukrainian Drones have struck the Russian Air Base in Bryansk, after attacking Bryansk with over a dozen UAVsThere are massive detonations of ammunition being reported by the locals — Ukraine Battle Map (@ukraine_map) June 5, 2025 Meanwhile in Russia's Bryansk — Illia Ponomarenko (@IAPonomarenko) June 5, 2025 Ukraine also reportedly attacked Tambov Oblast, about 250 miles northeast of the border. The Supernova+ Telegram channel shared footage from Michurinsk in Tambov Oblast and claimed that drones struck the Progress plant there, which manufactures equipment for aircraft and missile control systems, as well as for gas and oil pipeline infrastructure. The Exilenova Telegram channel stated that the strike hit the central workshop, leading to a roof collapse. Images showed fire damage and signs of electronic warfare systems operating at the time of the strike. Michurinsk, Tambov 'Progress' plant after a nighttime UAV strike. In the second photo, we can see the effective work of electronic warfare (EW) plant manufactures high-tech equipment for control systems of aviation and missile technology, as well as a… — Exilenova+ (@Exilenova_plus) June 6, 2025 Moscow's mayor claimed that nine Ukrainian drones were shot down over his city, according to ASTRA. Moscow region, RussiaSix UAVs flying toward Moscow shot down in Moscow region. Fire at drone crash site in Podolsk, – VChK-OGPU — LX (@LXSummer1) June 6, 2025 There were also claims that Ukrainian forces hit a tower once used to extract gas from the Black Sea. 'A new mark of fires at sea has appeared on one of the platforms in the Karkinitsky Gulf near Crimea,' the Crimean Wind monitoring group claimed on Telegram, citing NASA fire data. 'Our source reported a battle at sea last night. Let us recall that Russia is placing radar stations, signal repeaters for drones, and reconnaissance equipment on gas production platforms.' A Neva radar system, storage facilities and a residential module on the tower were destroyed in an attack on May 19, according to Crimean Wind. A new fire mark at sea has appeared on one of the platforms in the Karkinitsky Gulf near Crimea, – Crimean Wind Russia is placing radar stations, signal repeaters for drones, and reconnaissance equipment on gas production platforms. — MAKS 25 (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) June 6, 2025 Though Ukraine said it carried out attacks designed to blunt a looming Russian attack, Russia was able to hit several regions last night. The Russian Defense Ministry (MoD) claimed the bombardment was retaliation for Operation Spiderweb. 'Last night, in response to the terrorist actions of the Kyiv regime, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation carried out a massive strike with long-range air, sea, and ground-based high-precision weapons, as well as with strike UAVs against design bureaus, enterprises producing and repairing weapons and military hardware of Ukraine, attack drone assembly workshops, flight training centres, and AFU weapons and military hardware depots,' the MoD claimed. 'The aim of the strike has been achieved. All the assigned targets have been engaged.' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that Russia struck civilian targets and that at least three people died and dozens were injured in a barrage across the country. Later claims put the death toll at four. 'Russia doesn`t change its stripes – another massive strike on cities and ordinary life,' he stated on X. 'They targeted almost all of Ukraine – Volyn, Lviv, Ternopil, Kyiv, Sumy, Poltava, Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy, and Chernihiv regions. Some of the missiles and drones were shot down. I thank our warriors for their defense. But unfortunately, not all were intercepted. In total, over 400 drones and more than 40 missiles – including ballistic missiles – were used in today's attack.' Russia doesn`t change its stripes – another massive strike on cities and ordinary life. They targeted almost all of Ukraine – Volyn, Lviv, Ternopil, Kyiv, Sumy, Poltava, Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy, and Chernihiv regions. Some of the missiles and drones were shot down. I thank our… — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 6, 2025 In Kyiv, three members of the State Emergency Service in Ukraine were killed coming to the rescue of those injured during that attack, officials in Kyiv stated. Videos of the destruction across Ukraine emerged on social media. Russians could see where they were hitting live. There was a live broadcast on YouTube from different cities of Ukraine. — Clash Report (@clashreport) June 6, 2025 Lutsk, in western Ukraine, was one of those cities hit. The following video shows four Russian Kh-101 cruise missiles striking buildings there. BREAKING:Russia's launches one of its largest air attacks against Ukraine of this war.407 suicide drones, 38 cruise missiles and 6 ballistic missiles were fired against Ukrainian video shows 4 missiles striking the city of Lutsk in western Ukraine. — Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) June 6, 2025 Another video shows those missiles emitting flares or chaff before striking, a tactic to confuse air defenses. At least five people were injured in an attack using 15 drones and six missiles, according to Mayor Ihor Polishchuk. Longer footage showing Russian missile strikes in the city of Lutsk, western Ukraine, this Kh-101 air-launched cruise missiles can be seen releasing chaff/decoys/flares before hitting their targets. — Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (BlueSky too) (@Archer83Able) June 6, 2025 The Ukrainian Track and Field Team came under fire in Lutsk. The Ukrainian national track and field team came under fire in Lutsk: the Motor Hotel, where the athletes were staying, was hit, — Ukrainian Track and Field Federation. Fortunately, there are no victims or injuries among the athletes. — MAKS 25 (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) June 6, 2025 Ternopil's military chief Vyacheslav Negoda said Friday's strike was the 'most massive air attack on our region to date,' BBC reported. The Mayor of Ternopil, Igor Polishchuk, said five people were wounded in the attack while homes, schools and a government facility had been damaged. The 'Penoboard' Insulation Material Factory in the Ternopil Oblast of Western Ukraine was targeted during last night's drone and missile attack by Russia, resulting in serious damage to the factory as well as other nearby manufacturing facilities in Ternopil. — OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) June 6, 2025 The city of Chernihiv was hit by Russian Geran-2 drones as well as cruise and ballistic missiles, according to Oleksandr Tolokonnikov, spokesman for the Kherson Regional Military Administration of Ukraine. 'A residential area came under fire: multi-story buildings, private homes, a kindergarten, a local business, infrastructure facilities, and civilians' vehicles were damaged,' he said. 'Due to the strikes on the energy infrastructure, around 40.000 consumers remain without electricity. As of now, four civilians have been reported injured. Three of them received assistance on site, while another man was hospitalized in moderate condition.' Though Russia lost several Tu-95s during the Operation Spiderweb, it still managed to use some in this latest onslaught. Russia fired 36 Kh-101 cruise missiles from Bears and Tu-160 Blackjack long-range supersonic bombers from the airspace of the Saratov region, over the Caspian Sea, according to the Ukrainian Air Force (UaAF). In addition, the UaAF said six Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles were launched from Kursk and Voronezh regions, one Kh-31P anti-radar missile was fired from a tactical aircraft over the Black Sea and two Iskander-K cruise missiles were launched from the Dzyankoy district of Crimea. The extent of Russia's response to Operation Spiderweb is still unknown, however, these attacks show that both sides seem to be locked into an escalation of cross-border bombardment. Contact the author: howard@
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
'Loud night in Kyiv, Dad' — US envoy's daughter appeals to Kellogg during Russian attack
Meaghan Mobbs, daughter of U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg, made a direct appeal to her father on social media during Russia's combined missile and drone attack on Ukraine overnight on June 6. "Loud night in Kyiv, Dad! It might be the explosions and gunfire in the dead of night, but I get the strange feeling the Russians don't want peace," Mobbs wrote on X, as Russia launched one of its most intense air assaults of the war. According to Ukraine's Air Force, Moscow fired 452 drones — including Iranian-designed Shahed-type drones — and 45 missiles of various types across Ukraine, targeting the capital, major cities, and even western regions of the country. Ukrainian defenders intercepted 199 drones and 36 missiles, while another 169 drones disappeared from radar, likely decoys used to saturate air defenses. Multiple fires broke out across Kyiv after strikes hit residential areas and infrastructure. Nationwide, at least five civilians were killed and 73 injured during the past day, according to regional authorities. Ukraine's Air Force repelled the barrage with aviation, electronic warfare, mobile fire groups, and missile defense systems. Mobbs, a U.S. former paratrooper and longtime advocate for Ukraine, heads the R.T. Weatherman Foundation, which has delivered over 10,000 pallets of medical supplies and humanitarian aid to more than 70 Ukrainian hospitals and organizations. The large-scale assault came as Russia continues to reject calls for a ceasefire and escalates its air campaign despite mounting international pressure and ongoing negotiations. Kellogg has not yet commented on the attacks. U.S. President Donald Trump, who has positioned himself as a would-be peacemaker, has thus far refused to impose new sanctions on Moscow, citing ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire. Read also: UPDATE: Russia hits Ukraine with large-scale attack days after Operation Spiderweb We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
