Zelensky urges more air defence after deadly Russian strikes on Kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday renewed his call for additional air-defence systems following Russian missile strikes on Kyiv that killed seven people.

The attacks on Friday targeted apartment blocks across the capital, leaving civilians dead and raising concerns over Ukraine’s security ahead of a fourth winter of war. Among the victims was Nataliia Khodemnchuk, the wife of a Chernobyl nuclear power plant operator who died in the 1986 disaster. Other victims included a couple in their 70s and a 62-year-old.

“Ukraine needs support that saves lives: more air-defence systems, more protective capabilities and greater resolve from our partners,” Zelensky said on social media.

On Saturday, Ukraine reported further Russian casualties in its southern region, where four people were killed in separate attacks.

In a retaliatory move, the Ukrainian army said it struck a Russian oil refinery in the Ryazan region near Moscow to reduce the enemy’s capacity to launch missile and bomb strikes. Ryazan governor Pavel Malkov said Russian air defences intercepted 25 Ukrainian drones overnight, with debris causing a minor fire at one facility but no casualties.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has now lasted nearly four years, with diplomatic efforts failing to end the war and energy security remaining a growing concern for the country.