Ukraine: extra needs for 2027; drones violate Lithuanian airspace and hit Kiev

Ukraine - according to what ANSA has learned - could need "up to 70 billion euros" more than expected in 2027 to be able to continue to resist the Russian invasion (therefore in addition to the 45 billion already provided for by the EU loan). At the moment, in-depth contacts are underway between Brussels and Kiev to define the needs precisely and produce a report to be submitted to the 27, perhaps already at the European Council in October. As regards 2026, however, there are no 'holes' in the assistance but it is "fundamental" that the Rada approves the planned reforms.

The Lithuanian government's crisis service has raised the alarm due to the violation of the country's airspace by a drone arriving from Belarus.

As a result of the entry of the drone, around 9.40am Lithuania (8.40am in Italy) the Vilnius authorities invited the citizens of eastern Lithuania to identify the nearest air shelters to which they could go in case of need.

Vilnius airport had also temporarily suspended its operations, while NATO planes took off to patrol the country's skies.

A drone violated Lithuanian airspace. This was communicated by the Vilnius government's Crisis Service, inviting the population of eastern Lithuania to identify the nearest air-raid shelters where they can take refuge in case of need. "The Lithuanian Armed Forces inform: possible air incursion alarm. Look for a safe place. If you notice a suspicious object, keep your distance and call 112. Wait for the all-clear", the authorities declared in an emergency message also published on the website of Lrt, the Lithuanian public radio and TV service.

Russian attacks hit an important bridge in Kiev, the North Bridge, two days after the attacks on the South Bridge. This was announced by the mayor of the Ukrainian capital, Vitali Klitschko. "The North Bridge has been hit. Emergency services are on the way," he wrote on his Telegram profile. Previously, a drone alert had been issued in the city. The southern bridge of the capital has already been hit several times yesterday and in recent days, as reported by Mayor Klitschko.

During the night, Russia launched a drone attack against the city of Hostomel, in the Kiev oblast, hitting some warehouses and wounding, according to authorities, four people, including a little girl. The Kyiv Independent newspaper reports it. The head of the Kiev Oblast Military Administration, Tymur Tkachenko, said two men and a woman suffered numerous injuries following the attack. An 8-year-old girl was hit by shrapnel in a lower limb, Tkachenko added. At least one of the injured victims was hospitalized.