A Russian ballistic missile strike on Friday in Ukraine's Kyiv region killed 10 people and injured nearly 100 at a defence industry event, which President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned as a dangerous gathering.The attack, which targeted a drone exhibition near the capital, marked another escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Meanwhile, a separate Russian aerial bomb attack in Sloviansk killed five people and injured nine, with further strikes reported in Sumy and Zaporizhzhia.Ukraine's Emergency Services confirmed rescue operations had concluded at the Kyiv site, while regional authorities announced a day of mourning.

The strikes followed reports of significant Russian troop losses, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio citing 'a staggering number' of casualties.Zelensky expressed frustration over the event's location, stressing the unacceptable risk to civilians.Meanwhile, Ukraine and the US are advancing plans for joint drone production, with Zelensky hinting at a factory in the United States.

Political tensions persist as protesters demand the reinstatement of ousted defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, while discussions for potential peace talks with Russia continue.The conflict, now in its fourth year, remains deadlocked with both sides denying civilian targeting, yet the humanitarian toll continues to rise.