Ukraine is witnessing one of its most volatile phases yet, as a fresh wave of drone and missile strikes leaves at least 16 people dead across multiple regions. The escalation comes at a deeply symbolic moment, the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, amplifying fears of a renewed nuclear threat in an already fragile war zone. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a stark warning, pointing to continued risks surrounding nuclear safety as Russian attacks persist. Concerns have intensified after reports of Shahed drone activity near Chernobyl, including a past strike on the protective confinement structure. WATCH

Russia has introduced the S-71K “Kover,” a new air-launched cruise missile designed for the Sukhoi Su-57, significantly expanding its stand-off strike capability. With a reported range of up to 300 km, the missile allows Russian aircraft to hit targets without entering heavily defended airspace protected by systems like the MIM-104 Patriot. Ukrainian intelligence has released detailed technical data confirming the missile’s operational deployment, including its design, components, and battlefield role.