Russia Strikes Kyiv on Day 1,460
Russian forces launched missile and drone strikes on Kyiv marking day 1,460 of the Ukraine invasion, escalating ahead of the conflict's 4th anniversary. The attacks coincide with broader Europe-Asia strategy discussions involving NATO, China, and India. US ultimatums to Iran on nuclear issues and Hungary blocking EU Ukraine aid over oil disputes are testing alliance cohesion.
- In the days leading up to the 4th anniversary, Russia has intensified its air campaign, launching hundreds of drones of various types, including Shahed, Gerbera, and Italmas, alongside dozens of ballistic and cruise missiles like the Iskander, Zircon, and Kh-101. - Ukraine's air defense has evolved from relying on Soviet-era S-300 systems to a multi-layered shield, particularly over Kyiv, that incorporates Western systems like the Patriot (PAC-3), SAMP/T, and German-made Gepards, which have proven effective against both cruise missiles and drones. - China has maintained a position of strategic ambiguity, calling for a peaceful settlement while expanding its economic support and supply of key components, such as for drones, to Russia. U.S. and EU officials have noted this support helps Russia sustain its war economy and circumvent some Western sanctions. - India continues to officially advocate for a resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating the country is "on the side of peace." Concurrently, India has significantly increased its importation of discounted Russian oil, balancing its long-standing ties with Moscow and its relationships with Western nations. - The US is engaged in renewed but tense nuclear negotiations with Iran in early 2026, complicated by Iran's role as a key military supplier to Russia. Tehran's provision of drones and ballistic missiles has led Moscow to calibrate its support for Iran's nuclear ambitions to serve its own wartime priorities. - Hungary has repeatedly blocked EU financial aid packages for Ukraine, including a proposed €90 billion loan, citing its own national energy security. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government has made its approval of aid and sanctions contingent on the uninterrupted flow of Russian crude oil through the Druzhba pipeline, which has faced disruptions. - NATO's 2022 Strategic Concept identifies Russia as the most "significant and direct threat" to the alliance. In response to the full-scale invasion, NATO has activated defense plans, deploying hundreds of thousands of troops to its eastern flank and coordinating billions of euros in military assistance to Ukraine.
