Massive Russian Air Strikes Hit Ukraine; Former Official Yermak Detained

Russia launched one of its most extensive air campaigns in over four years against Ukraine, deploying hundreds of drones and missiles across multiple cities following a brief ceasefire. Ukrainian authorities reported intercepting most of the 675 drones and 56 missiles, yet significant damage and casualties occurred. In Kyiv, residential buildings were damaged, resulting in one death and dozens of injuries. Other regions, including Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, and Uzhhorod, also suffered attacks, with Uzhhorod being targeted for the first time since the invasion began. Total casualties included at least ten deaths and numerous injuries across the country. Concurrently, a major political development unfolded as Andriy Yermak, former head of the presidential office and close ally to President Zelensky, was ordered into pre-trial detention for 60 days. Yermak faces money laundering charges related to illegal transactions in a luxury construction project. He denied the allegations and stated he could not pay the required bail. The court proceedings also revealed controversial details about Yermak consulting an esoteric advisor on state appointments, highlighting ongoing anti-corruption efforts within Ukraine amidst the continued war.