At least 12 killed in overnight Russian strikes on Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at least 12 people, including an Indian national, were killed in overnight Russian strikes, with dozens more injured. He said the attacks also cut power to thousands of families in the Odesa region and deliberately damaged a border crossing with Romania.

The strikes are the latest in a prolonged series of Russian attacks on Ukraine over recent days, including daytime bombing raids, seen as an effort to wear down the country. Kyiv has now come under attack for six consecutive days.

Wider European fallout

The threat from Russia is expected to dominate discussions at an informal meeting of EU defence ministers in Wicklow, Ireland. There are indications Germany may be close to formally attributing last month's incidents in Leipzig to Russia.

German media reports suggest the country's interior and foreign ministers could announce findings from their investigation into a failed drone attack on a Ukrainian cargo plane in Leipzig later today, though this has not yet been officially confirmed. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had hinted over the weekend that a government response was forthcoming.

Other countries have also reported incidents suspected to be linked to Russia, including a suspected arson attack on a drone factory in Poland on Sunday night. Estonia and Latvia both briefly activated air alert systems on Tuesday following reports of drones near their airspace.

Opening the meeting in Wicklow, Irish defence minister Helen McEntee said the talks come at a time of profound challenge for European security, calling for closer cooperation. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the meeting would focus mainly on support for Ukraine, alongside maritime security and the situation in Lebanon. She also announced plans to form a high-level group of former political and military leaders, including from the UK and Ukraine, to review responses to growing military threats.