The UK government has announced a competition to develop a new deep-strike ballistic missile for Ukraine, named Nightfall. The missile is intended to carry a 200kg warhead to a range of over 500km and be launched from various vehicles.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the missiles will allow Ukrainian forces to fire multiple missiles in quick succession and withdraw within minutes, targeting key military sites before Russia can respond. Three industry teams will each receive £9m to design, develop and deliver their first three prototypes within 12 months for test firings.
Ukraine currently relies on US-supplied Atacms missiles and its own Sapsan system. The announcement comes as Russia continues attacks on Kyiv, with a fire reported in one district after an early Monday attack. Over 1,000 apartment buildings in the capital remain without heating after a Russian bombardment on Friday.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the situation is “still extremely difficult”, especially in border regions. Pope Leo offered prayers, condemning strikes on energy infrastructure that hit civilians during cold weather and appealing for peace.
Ukrainian forces claimed to have hit three drilling platforms operated by Russian oil company Lukoil in the Caspian Sea, aiming to reduce Moscow’s oil export revenue. Russia reported a Ukrainian drone strike killed one person and wounded three in Voronezh.
