Polish minister Tomasz Siemoniak said Russian-linked operatives have shown suspicious interest in military bases and critical infrastructure, raising fears Moscow is preparing a hybrid or limited attack on Poland or the Baltic states.
Siemoniak told RMF FM that Polish and allied intelligence see such moves as a possible test of NATO’s resolve, saying Russia has the means for these actions and appears to be preparing them.
Those warnings came as Russia and Ukraine both signaled further escalation after Moscow fired 74 missiles and nearly 500 drones at Ukraine overnight, one of the war’s largest aerial assaults.
Kyiv officials said the strike killed at least 30 people and injured more than 90, damaging about 130 buildings; Zelenskyy demanded faster air-defense deliveries while the Kremlin vowed to keep increasing pressure.
With Russia waging a 'hybrid war' against NATO, how are Baltic states preparing for attacks short of a full-scale invasion?
As Russia's ground war stalls, are its massive aerial assaults a sign of desperation or a new long-term strategy?
23 Dead, 151 Injured: Russia’s July 2026 Missile Barrage on Kyiv and NATO’s Struggle Against Escalation
Overview
On July 2, 2026, Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv, marking a major escalation in the conflict. The assault killed 23 people and injured 151 across Ukraine, causing severe damage to homes and critical infrastructure in the capital. Rescuers worked to free people trapped in collapsed buildings, while emergency services deployed hundreds of personnel and vehicles to manage the aftermath. The attack also destroyed the National Institute of Biochemistry’s advanced laboratory, a significant loss for Ukrainian science. This event highlights the increasing intensity and devastating impact of Russian strikes on Ukraine’s cities and institutions.