Overview
- Russia launched overnight missile and drone attacks that killed three people in Balakleia, Kharkiv region, and damaged port and energy facilities in Odesa, with Ukraine reporting 128 drones and two Iskander-M missiles fired and 32 drones neutralized.
- Ukrainian long-range drones struck energy infrastructure in Russian‑controlled Donetsk, leaving about 500,000 residents without electricity before partial restoration, according to occupation authorities.
- During Zelensky’s visit to France, Kyiv signed a letter of intent to acquire up to 100 Rafale F4 fighters plus air‑defense assets including SAMP/T systems, radars, missiles and drones, with deliveries envisioned over the next decade and no specific schedule disclosed.
- Ukrainian officials say negotiations mediated by Turkey and the United Arab Emirates are advancing to restart prisoner exchanges under 2022 Istanbul protocols that could free roughly 1,200 Ukrainians.
- On the ground near Pokrovsk, verified footage and analyst reporting indicate Russian forces are favoring small-unit infiltration using motorcycles, buggies and other light vehicles to reduce exposure to drones.