Thank you for joining us as we bring you the latest developments in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
First, let’s take a look at what happened on Tuesday, when Russia launched another major attack on Kiev, firing ballistic missiles and drones at the Ukrainian capital.
Air defense intercepted five ballistic missiles, but other weapons struck the city, damaging warehouses and a school and setting fires in at least two districts.
Meanwhile, Ukraine carried out long-range drone strikes on two Russian oil refineries.
One attack targeted an industrial facility in Salavat in the Republic of Bashkortostan, more than 1,400 kilometers from the front. Russian officials reported fire and smoke but said there were no injuries.
At sea, Ukraine said it attacked tankers and cargo ships in the Sea of Azov, in the latest attacks on Russian commercial shipping. Moscow’s agriculture ministry said “alternative shipping routes” were being explored.
In Paris, about 500 soldiers from countries belonging to the “Coalition of the Willing” marched in the annual Bastille Day parade.
Ukrainian troops were cheered along the Champs-Élysées while Ukrainian and French pilots flew Mirage 2000B fighter jets overhead. President Volodymyr Zelensky attended along with French President Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders.
The demonstration followed a summit at which Ukraine and nine partner countries announced plans to develop a common European shield against ballistic missiles, as Kiev seeks additional protection from intensifying Russian attacks.
Ukraine also entered a period of political transition after parliament approved the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko. President Zelensky ordered a government reshuffle, saying that Ukraine needed to adjust its political strategy to face new challenges. They have not yet named his replacement.