Russia attacked Ukraine again on Thursday night with missiles and drones - at least 18 missiles and about 400 drones. At least two people were killed and 13 others were injured. The Ukrainian capital Kiev was the main target of the attack and was attacked in several waves - air defenses were activated, but debris from exploded drones over Kiev fell in several neighborhoods.
According to observers, one of the targets of the attack is the military airport south of Kiev. Russia has been attacking Ukraine fiercely in recent weeks, with a total of 728 drones launched against the country the previous night.
Will the US send more Patriot air defense systems?
The US and other allies of Ukraine have signaled their readiness to provide additional military assistance to Kiev in light of the increased Russian attacks. US President Donald Trump said the US is considering Kiev's request for another Patriot air defense system.
The US-made Patriot air defense missile system is among the most advanced in the world. If the US decides to send an additional system to Ukraine, it would be the first time Trump has authorized the delivery of a major weapons system to Kiev, exceeding the number authorized by the administration of his predecessor Joe Biden. Trump has recently expressed his anger at Russian President Vladimir Putin.
However, the Trump administration continues to maintain direct contact with Russian authorities. Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to meet with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. The two already spoke directly five months ago at a meeting in Saudi Arabia.
Additional military aid from European allies too?
Meanwhile, Kiev's allies, part of the so-called coalition of the willing, want to discuss further aid to Ukraine during a video conference in which Ukrainian President Zelensky will also participate. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who also plans to join the conversation, announced earlier that further assistance to Ukraine to improve its air defenses would also be discussed.
The video conference will take place on the sidelines of a conference on reconstruction of Ukraine in Rome. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US special envoy Keith Kellogg have also announced their participation in the two-day conference in the Italian capital, hosted by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The focus will be on the prospects for Ukraine after the end of the war. Discussions will focus on how to help rebuild destroyed infrastructure such as roads, bridges and power plants.