Ukraine conducted its first combat deployment of the FP-7 tactical ballistic missile, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who announced the action on Thursday without disclosing specific operational details. The missile, manufactured by Fire Point, represents part of the country’s effort to develop indigenous tactical ballistic capabilities. Ukrainian military analysts characterize the FP-7 as a short-range system with approximately 200-kilometer range, noting its similarity to US Tactical Missile Systems but at considerably lower cost. The weapon’s development falls under the European Freyja missile defence programme, which was initiated this year.
Russia responded with intensified drone attacks on Ukrainian targets Thursday. Russian unmanned aircraft struck a school in Kyiv early in the morning, though all students sheltered safely with no casualties reported. The attacks continued throughout the day, with two drones hitting the Southern Bridge across the Dnipro River around midday, followed by additional evening strikes that damaged supporting infrastructure and road surfaces. City officials attributed the attacks to ongoing Russian operations against the capital.
Ukraine simultaneously pressed forward with strikes against Russian energy infrastructure, including attacks on oil refineries in the Samara region and facilities in Volgograd. A Russian vessel in the Black Sea and drone storage facilities in the Oryol region were also targeted. Ukrainian officials estimate these operations have eliminated more than 45 percent of Russian refining capacity in recent months, resulting in fuel rationing and extended queues at petrol stations across Russian territories.
The strikes have created global fuel supply tensions, with Europe increasingly dependent on US energy exports following sanctions on Russian imports. The Trump administration has pressured Germany and France to reduce emergency diesel reserves to stabilize international fuel prices, potentially threatening export restrictions. At a concurrent Group of 20 trade ministers meeting, European leaders condemned Russian attacks on Ukrainian agricultural infrastructure, characterizing such targeting as unacceptable in armed conflict.
Meanwhile, Russia warned NATO against any blockade of Kaliningrad, a Baltic exclave and seaport, stating it would employ nuclear weapons if necessary for defense. Russian embassies distributed statements claiming NATO preparations for air and naval blockades. President Vladimir Putin denied the warnings constituted intimidation, characterizing them instead as responses to perceived NATO threats. Putin also indicated seized Western corporate assets could be returned under favorable negotiation scenarios and expressed preference for resolving the conflict through diplomatic talks that would establish Ukraine’s neutrality.
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