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Russia's missile-drone barrage kills 2, Zelensky demands faster Patriot aid

7/12/2026

38 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Russia launched six ballistic and six cruise missiles plus 121 drones, killing two and injuring 19 in Kyiv, Odesa and Kharkiv.
President Volodymyr Zelensky urged partners to speed delivery of air-defence packages, especially the Patriot interceptor licence.
Drone chief Robert Brovdi reported strikes on 21 fuel tankers in the Sea of Azov, raising the weekly total to 76.

History

Historical Context

After Russia’s February 2014 seizure of Crimea—where unmarked troops seized the parliament and sparked the Donbas war—Washington pledged $1 billion and NATO committed 30 Patriot batteries by 2020. Today, Russia has fired six ballistic missiles and 121 drones at Kyiv, Odesa and Kharkiv, prompting President Zelensky to ask NATO to issue the promised Patriot licences.

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Story summary

Russia launched six ballistic and six cruise missiles plus 121 drones, killing two and injuring 19 in Kyiv, Odesa and Kharkiv.
President Volodymyr Zelensky urged partners to speed delivery of air-defence packages, especially the Patriot interceptor licence.
Drone chief Robert Brovdi reported strikes on 21 fuel tankers in the Sea of Azov, raising the weekly total to 76.

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