Ukraine Shoots Down Five Russian Ballistic Missiles as Kyiv Pushes to Strengthen Air Defenses
Ukraine's air force said it intercepted five Russian ballistic missiles during a large overnight assault on Kyiv, marking the first successful interception of ballistic missiles in nearly two weeks as Russia intensified its campaign of missile and drone attacks.
Despite the interceptions, one ballistic missile and dozens of drones penetrated Ukraine's defenses, striking warehouses, industrial facilities and a school in Kyiv. Debris from destroyed missiles and drones also caused damage across several districts of the capital, while emergency crews responded to multiple fires.
The successful interceptions were likely carried out using U.S.-supplied Patriot air defense systems, which remain in limited supply as Ukraine faces growing pressure from Russia's expanding missile arsenal. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly warned that shortages of interceptor missiles are making it increasingly difficult to protect major cities from ballistic attacks.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was in France for Bastille Day celebrations, announced that Ukraine had joined a new 10-country European missile defense coalition aimed at building a shared anti-ballistic shield across Europe. He also urged partners to accelerate deliveries of advanced air defense systems ahead of winter, when Russia has historically intensified strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Separately, France and Ukraine signed a major defense agreement under which Kyiv will acquire 16 Rafale fighter jets in the first phase of a broader plan, along with four next-generation SAMP/T-NG air and missile defense systems. The agreement also allows Ukraine to begin domestic production of several advanced missile systems and precision-guided weapons.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continued long-range strikes against Russian military and energy infrastructure, while Moscow claimed its air defenses intercepted 288 Ukrainian drones overnight. Russian President Vladimir Putin has continued to reject calls for a ceasefire despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.