In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia executed its most extensive missile and drone attack to date, targeting Kyiv with 74 missiles and 496 drones overnight, resulting in at least 31 fatalities and over 100 injuries. Ukraine's foreign minister described the assault as a 'night of horror.' The Russian Defence Ministry characterized the operation as a response to Ukraine's drone incursions into Moscow's oil facilities. In light of the situation, Ukrainian President Zelensky has curtailed his trip to Dublin, urgently requesting Patriot missile systems from NATO partners. Analysts in the US military and experts on WW3 risks indicate that the six US states equipped with the most sophisticated ballistic missile defense systems would likely be the initial fronts in the event of a direct NATO-Russia conflict.
