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Drone strikes escalate in Russia-Ukraine war
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Drone and missile strikes kill 19 in Russia and Ukraine, destroying a Kyiv book market. Escalating long-range attacks push civilian deaths to highest since 2022.
Background
Russia and Ukraine have escalated long-range drone and missile strikes for months, with near-daily attacks. Russia has intensified use of hard-to-intercept ballistic missiles, exploiting Ukraine's air-defense shortages after US-Israeli war diverted supplies. Ukraine has stepped up strikes on Russian oil refineries and military targets, causing fuel crisis and drawing threats from Moscow.
How it unfolded
- Aug 16, 2026Ukrainian drone attack hits Wildberries warehouses in Moscow region, according to regional governor.
- Aug 17, 2026At least 19 killed in drone and missile strikes in Russia and Ukraine; Kyiv book market destroyed.
- Aug 18, 2026Russia threatens UK with 'consequences' over reports of British-made drones used by Ukraine.
- Aug 20, 2026Kremlin warns Britain of inevitable 'consequences' and accuses London of 'deliberately opting for escalation'.
- Aug 21, 2026Romania reports sharp increase in Russian drone incursions, but says no evidence of deliberate targeting.
- Aug 22, 2026Russia and Ukraine trade deadly strikes; Ukrainian drone attack kills three in Russia.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Romania's Defense Ministry says increased drone incidents are not deliberate targeting but spillover from attacks on Ukraine.
- Official
- Russian embassy in UK accuses London of 'deliberately opting for escalation' and warns of 'consequences'.
- Official
- UK PM Andy Burnham says government will continue to support Ukraine '100 percent'.
- Analysts
- Experts say Ukraine is winning the escalating space war, with strikes on Russian aerospace facilities making operations riskier.
Still unverified
Reports that British-made drones were used in strikes on Russian territory are not confirmed by UK Ministry of Defence.