Russian strikes kill 7 in Kyiv; Ukraine hits back in south

At least seven civilians were killed in Russian attacks on Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine, Ukrainian officials said. In response, Ukraine struck targets in southern Russia. Among the dead were two children, killed in a drone attack. France promised new air defense support to Ukraine following the strikes. The pledge came as both sides continued long-range attacks overnight. The latest barrage hit residential areas and infrastructure in the capital and elsewhere. Ukrainian forces, in turn, targeted Russian positions in the south, including areas near the border. No further details on the military impact of either side’s attacks were immediately available.