Debris on fire on the premises of a school in Kyiv, Ukraine, after Russian missile and drone strikes, May 24, 2026 (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)

EA on WION and Pakistan TV: Worried Kremlin Threatens to Obliterate Kyiv

Friday’s Coverage: Russian Drone Hits Apartment Block in Romania

UPDATE 0754 GMT:

Ukraine air defenses downed 279 of 290 drones fired by Russia overnight. Nine UAVs hit seven locations.

The Russians also fired seven missiles, all of which were intercepted or failed to reach their targets.

UPDATE 0747 GMT:

Russian authorities have released a propaganda “documentary” portraying forcibly deported Ukrainian children learning to love Russia.

“SVOi Deti” (“Our Special Military Operation Children”) shows children taken to Russian recreational camps as part of a youth program called “Poslezavtra” (The Day After Tomorrow) for ”integration sessions”.

The film was produced by Russia’s “Children’s Rights” Commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, who — along with Vladimir Putin — faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court over the deportations.

ORIGINAL ENTRY: Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned of a “new massive attack” by Russia, days after the Kremlin threatened “obliteration” of the capital Kyiv.

Earlier this month, Russia fired around 1,600 drones and 90 missiles within 48 hours across Ukraine. Last weekend, they targeted Kyiv in an assault with around 600 UAVs and scores of missiles.

In his nightly address to the nation, Zelensky spoke of “intel” about the next assault. He said air defense is the priority and thanked “every partner” who is “ready to help”.

Referring to the program for purchase of American weapons and systems by NATO members, with transfer to Ukraine, he said:

The PURL initiative must work. This concerns both the United States and Europe. We are pooling funds from our European partners and other friends to purchase missiles, including for Patriot systems. Sufficient supplies depend on America, and we hope that Ukraine will be heard.

On Friday, Japan announced that it is joining the NATO initiative, contributing around $14.7 million for purchase of non-lethal assistance.

“Japan will continue to support to Ukraine in order to achieve a just and lasting peace and intends to further strengthen Japan-NATO cooperation,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Ukraine Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha posted:

Zelensky thanked Finland for its latest contribution to meet Ukraine’s military needs: