Ukraine has begun purchasing a domestically produced glide bomb, the Vyrivniuvach ("Equalizer"), designed to let its air force strike Russian forces from a safer distance while reducing dependence on weapons supplied by the United States and Europe. The move reflects Kyiv's broader push to build up its own defence industry, giving it more control over its military capabilities as Western allies' support has at times been uncertain or slow to arrive amid the ongoing war with Russia.

The report comes as Russia continues heavy bombardment of Ukraine, having recently launched more than 200 drones and missiles in a single overnight assault that hit civilian sites, including a World Health Organization warehouse, and caused multiple casualties. Ukraine has also carried out retaliatory drone strikes, including one on Russia's Belgorod region that reportedly caused casualties there, underscoring the intensity of the exchanges as both sides continue to escalate attacks.