Explosions reported in Russian-occupied Melitopol on Jan 4

The defense minister cautioned that the contracted missiles would take time to arrive.

Ukraine relies on the American-made Patriot PAC-3 air defense system for its defense against Russian ballistic missiles.

Spanish F/A-18 fighter jets, deployed as part of a NATO air-policing mission, were scrambled.

The attack has killed at least three people and injured 16 others, according to local officials. The strike signals a definitive end to Kyiv's brief respite while hosting U.S. envoys.

Ukraine's EU membership could lead to "another Wirtschaftswunder ('economic miracle') in Europe," provided the country delivers on reforms, said EU enlargement chief Marta Kos.

The assassination attempt reportedly targeted Nikolay Varpakhovich, a Russian Aerospace Forces general and commander of the 22nd Heavy Bomber Aviation Division, according to Russian independent media outlet Astra.

Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined his vision for the peace process and gave U.S. President Donald Trump his assessment of the war, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters.

As of 8:30 a.m., with the attack still ongoing, air defenses had downed or suppressed two ballistic missiles, 31 cruise missiles, and 142 drones. Strikes were recorded at 29 locations, while debris from intercepted drones and missiles fell at nine additional sites, the Air Force said.

A day before a U.S. delegation arrived, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia had deliberately targeted the runways at Kyiv's Zhuliany airport and Boryspil International Airport.

"We need Russian willingness to reach a just and lasting peace, European Commission chief spokesperson Paula Pinho said, "which we are clearly not seeing."

"This decision protects Hungary's security and sovereignty," Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orban said.