Russia Kills at Least 15 in Massive Missile and Drone Strike on Kyiv

Russian forces unleashed a massive overnight bombardment of Kyiv and the surrounding region using ballistic missiles and drones, killing at least 15 people and wounding more than 20, Ukrainian authorities reported on Wednesday. Several large fires broke out across the capital, with a 20-storey residential building and several warehouses reported among the targets.

Ukraine Unable to Intercept Ballistic Missiles

Ukraine's air force acknowledged it could not shoot down a single ballistic missile during the attack, though some drones were intercepted. The military pointed to a persistent shortage of air-defence missiles, leaving Ukrainian cities increasingly exposed to the type of fast-moving ballistic strikes that overwhelm existing defence systems. Ukraine has for months appealed to Western partners for additional munitions.

EU Stands With Spain After Ceuta Mass Crossing

In a separate development, the European Union pledged solidarity and emergency financial support to Spain following last week's mass border crossing at the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in North Africa. EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner announced measures to strengthen border protection. EU interior ministers held an emergency video conference on the situation. According to Madrid, around 72,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta during the surge; approximately 70,000 have since returned. More than 70 people died in the attempt to reach EU territory. Brunner noted that the EU is currently negotiating a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with Morocco.

Germany Prepares Plans for New Civil Service

The German government is drawing up contingency plans for the reintroduction of compulsory civilian service, should general conscription be restored. The Federal Family Ministry confirmed it had polled 23 major associations on available capacity. According to the Bild newspaper, the plans are to be officially announced after the summer recess.

AI Displaces More Jobs in Rich Countries, World Bank Warns

Workers in high-income countries such as Germany and the United States face an automation risk from artificial intelligence more than three times higher than workers in low- and middle-income countries, according to a new World Bank report. More than 14 percent of jobs in high-income countries are at risk of being automated.