Four dead in Russian attacks in Ukraine ahead of a meeting in Paris

Kyiv – 12 July 2026: At least four people were killed overnight in Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities announced this on Sunday. Three deaths were reported in the central Ukrainian region of Dnipropetrovsk, and another in the southern city of Kherson. This information concerns the wave of overnight attacks and may change as rescue operations continue.

In Kryvyi Rih, a major city in the Dnipropetrovsk region, two people were killed in an attack on an industrial site, according to regional authorities. No further details were initially released about the third victim in the region. Local authorities assessed the damage and assisted those affected. Initial statements did not provide complete information on possible additional injuries.

In Kherson, a 48-year-old man was killed by a drone attack, according to Mayor Yaroslav Chanko. The city is located near the front line, on the Dnipro, and has been regularly targeted by Russian attacks since its liberation in November 2022. Ukrainian authorities called on the population to take air raid alerts seriously and seek shelter.

The Ukrainian Air Force said that Russia had again used missiles and drones overnight against targets in several regions of the country. Information regarding the scale of the attack and intercepted weapons was initially being reviewed by the relevant military authorities. Russia did not immediately comment on the reported deaths. On Sunday, independently verifiable information on all targets hit was not yet fully available.

The attack comes one day before a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris. Representatives of more than 30 countries are due to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine, the continuation of military and political support, and paths toward lasting peace on 13 July. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will also attend the meeting, according to the German government.

According to announcements made so far, the discussions will also focus on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense. For Kyiv, defense against Russian ballistic missiles is particularly important, as these weapons are difficult to intercept and have repeatedly struck cities and civilian infrastructure. This week, the United States authorized Ukraine to manufacture American-designed Patriot air defense systems in the country. However, several months may still pass before possible production begins.

France and the United Kingdom are among the main initiators of the Coalition of the Willing. In the event of a ceasefire, the group intends to contribute to strong security guarantees for Ukraine. The new attacks underscore, however, that the situation continues to worsen ahead of the Paris talks. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has now lasted for more than four years.