In Kiev, Ukraine, four people, including a child, were killed in Russian attacks on the capital and surrounding region, according to local officials on Saturday. Meanwhile, Ukraine targeted another oil refinery in Russia.
Constant Drone and Missile Strikes
Residents in Ukraine endure persistent assaults from drones and missiles. Ukrainian air defenses struggle to counter these attacks during the ongoing large-scale invasion by Moscow, which has continued for over four years. Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities have led to fuel shortages and concern in Russia.
Family Tragedy in Kiev Region
In the Brovary district of the Kiev region, northeast of the capital, two grandparents and their 3-year-old grandchild died when multiple Russian drones destroyed their home early Saturday. Three other family members and a neighbor who assisted them were hospitalized. The attack left the house in ruins and damaged nearby structures and vehicles.
In Kiev, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that another individual died in an “attack with six ballistic missiles on civilian infrastructure.”
Air Defense Challenges
The Ukrainian air force stated it shot down or intercepted 135 of the 151 drones launched by Russia overnight. The offensive also included six ballistic missiles and other guided projectiles.
Russia has relentlessly targeted Ukraine’s civilian areas, despite Moscow’s claims of focusing only on military targets. The Kremlin exploits Ukraine’s critical shortage of interceptors for its American-made Patriot systems, the sole air defense capable of downing ballistic missiles.
Zelenskyy has urged other nations, particularly the United States, to supply more ammunition as the conflict with Iran worsens shortages. He also wishes to produce Patriot ammunition in Ukraine or gain permission to use Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite communications system to target missile launch sites in Russia.
Following the latest attacks, Zelenskyy called for more sanctions to “prevent the production of these ballistic missiles,” along with enhanced “anti-ballistic capabilities” and “missile interceptors.”
Ongoing Efforts and Diplomatic Moves
Ukraine’s air defenses struck down about 5,300 drones and missiles last month, according to Kiev’s Ministry of Defense, slightly less than 60% of the nearly 9,000 unmanned aircraft and projectiles fired by Russia during the same period.
Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Oil Facilities
In Russia, six people were injured due to a fire at the Ilsky oil refinery in the southern Krasnodar region, caused by drone debris, local authorities reported.
The Ukrainian General Staff stated that their forces targeted the Krasnodar facility and the Syzran oil refinery in the Samara region, over 800 kilometers (500 miles) from the border. Samara’s regional governor, Vyacheslav Fedorishchev, mentioned drone strikes on an “industrial facility” but did not specify the refinery.
Ukrainian long-range drone and missile attacks, nearly daily and using domestically produced weapons, have punished Russian oil facilities for months. This campaign has led to a fuel crisis in Russia that embarrasses the Kremlin.
Zelenskyy’s Diplomatic Visit to Serbia
The recent attacks occurred shortly after Zelenskyy’s arrival in Serbia for his first official visit, as part of continued diplomatic efforts. Despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Serbia remains one of the few European countries to maintain friendly ties with Moscow.
“Important talks are scheduled for today and tomorrow,” Zelenskyy stated, emphasizing discussions with President Aleksandar Vucic and Prime Minister Djuro Macut.
“We will discuss expanding economic ties between our countries, EU relations, and other practical opportunities benefiting our peoples, along with security issues,” explained Zelenskyy.