Russia launches large‑scale attack on Kyiv, killing at least 30, injuring 98.

Russian forces recently launched a massive ballistic missile and drone attack on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, resulting in at least 30 deaths and 98 injuries, and forcing more than 50,000 civilians to take refuge in underground shelters. This attack marks the latest escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, causing damage to multiple locations in central Kyiv, including residential homes and infrastructure.

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation constitute Russia's military power, comprising three service branches—the Ground Forces, the Navy, and the Aerospace Forces—as well as three independent operational arms: the Strategic Missile Forces, the Airborne Forces, and the Unmanned Systems Forces. The Russian Armed Forces are the world's fifth-largest military force, with approximately one million active-duty personnel and nearly two million reservists. Russia possesses the world's largest nuclear arsenal, operates the world's second-largest ballistic missile submarine fleet, and is the only armed force other than the United States and China to operate strategic bombers. As of 2025, Russia's military expenditure ranks third in the world, at approximately 190 billion US dollars, accounting for 7.5 percent of its GDP.

The Russian military operates on a mixed system combining conscription and voluntary service. Under Russian law, subject to certain exceptions, all male citizens aged 18 to 27 are required to serve one year of military service. Despite efforts since the early 2000s to professionalize its military, Russia still relies heavily on conscription. The strategic objectives of the Russian military include protecting Russia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, maintaining regional stability and security, and safeguarding national interests.

Since its beginning in 2014, the conflict in Ukraine has caused tens of thousands of deaths and injuries, triggering a humanitarian crisis. Russia's role in the conflict has been a focus of international attention, prompting Western nations to repeatedly impose economic sanctions on Russia. Russia claims that its actions are intended to protect ethnic Russian populations and maintain regional stability, while the Ukrainian government condemns Russian aggression and calls on the international community for support and assistance.

The Russian attack on Kyiv has also drawn international concern and condemnation. The United States, the European Union, and other Western nations have condemned Russia's actions, calling for an immediate halt to the attacks and respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia maintains that its actions are a response to Ukrainian provocations and serve to preserve regional stability.

For Taiwan, this Russian attack on Ukraine highlights the complexity and uncertainty of the global security situation. Although Taiwan has no direct connection to the conflict in Ukraine, the incident nonetheless exerts a significant impact on regional security and the international landscape. As an important nation in the Asia-Pacific region, Taiwan needs to monitor the development and evolution of the international security situation, while strengthening its own defense and security capabilities to address potential challenges and threats. At the same time, Taiwan must cooperate with the international community to jointly safeguard regional stability and security, and promote peace and development.