Ukraine claims it shoots down 16 of 36 Russian missiles

On Thursday, Ukraine was bombarded with missiles by Russia, with the largest oil refinery in Kyiv being struck, according to reports. The city of Bakhmut, which has been under siege for some time, is expected to be captured by Russia by April, according to the head of the Wagner mercenary group. Russia typically responds with heavy bombardments following Ukrainian military or diplomatic successes. After a NATO meeting the day before to discuss additional support for Kyiv, Russia launched 36 missiles, 16 of which were successfully intercepted, a lower rate than usual. The missiles landed across Ukraine, causing air-raid sirens to sound, and Ukraine's largest oil refinery, Kremenchuk, was hit multiple times. The extent of the damage is unclear, and the unit has been halted at least once during the conflict. The Ukrainian Defence Ministry tweeted that it was another massive missile attack by the terrorist state on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. Ukraine stated that the barrage included three KH-31 missiles and one Oniks missile that its air defences are unable to intercept.