Russian Strikes Kill 17 in Ukraine as Zelenskyy Warns of Air-Defence Shortage

At least 17 people were killed and dozens more injured after Russia launched a major wave of missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy saying Moscow was exploiting gaps in the country’s air-defence capabilities. The overnight assault targeted Kyiv and several other areas, damaging residential buildings and civilian infrastructure. Emergency teams were deployed to affected locations as authorities searched damaged sites and treated the wounded.

Zelenskyy said the scale of the destruction highlighted Ukraine’s urgent need for additional air-defence systems and missile interceptors. According to the Ukrainian president, shortages of interceptor missiles have made it increasingly difficult for the country to protect its cities from Russia’s continuing aerial campaign.

Ukraine has repeatedly urged its Western partners to provide more advanced air-defence equipment, particularly Patriot systems and the missiles required to operate them. Kyiv has argued that stronger protection is essential to defend civilians and critical infrastructure as Russian attacks continue.

The latest strikes come as the war enters another intense phase, with both Moscow and Kyiv continuing long-range attacks despite diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. Ukrainian officials have warned that Russia has been using large numbers of drones alongside cruise and ballistic missiles, placing additional pressure on the country’s air-defence network.

Zelenskyy has called on international allies to accelerate deliveries of weapons and interceptor missiles, saying Ukraine needs the resources to protect its population from further attacks. Ukraine has also continued launching strikes against targets inside Russia, describing them as necessary responses to Moscow’s attacks. Russian authorities have reported Ukrainian drone attacks in several areas, while Moscow continues to deny deliberately targeting civilians.