Ukraine’s president calls for enhanced air defence after Russian missile attacks kill seven in Kyiv, as war enters fourth winter
KYIV: President Volodymyr Zelensky has renewed urgent calls for enhanced air defence systems following deadly Russian strikes on the Ukrainian capital.
The appeal came after Russian missiles struck apartment blocks across Kyiv on Friday, killing seven people.
Russia’s invasion approaches its fourth year with diplomatic efforts failing and energy security concerns growing ahead of another wartime winter.
Ukraine reported four additional fatalities from Russian attacks in its southern region on Saturday.
“Ukraine needs support that saves lives: more air-defence systems, more protective capabilities and greater resolve from our partners,” Zelensky stated on social media.
Officials confirmed the Kyiv death toll rose to seven after an elderly woman succumbed to her injuries in hospital.
Zelensky identified one victim as Nataliia Khodemnchuk, widow of a Chernobyl nuclear plant operator who died during the 1986 disaster.
“Nearly four decades later, Nataliia was killed in a new tragedy caused once again by the Kremlin,” he said.
Other casualties included a couple in their 70s and a 62-year-old resident.
Ukraine also announced striking a Russian oil refinery near Moscow on Saturday.
The Ukrainian army described hitting a refinery in the Ryazan region as “part of efforts to reduce the enemy’s ability to launch missile and bomb strikes”.
Ukraine has regularly conducted missile and drone attacks inside Russia throughout the invasion since 2022.
Ryazan governor Pavel Malkov reported Russian air defences shot down 25 Ukrainian drones over the region overnight.
“Falling debris caused a fire on the premises of one enterprise” without causing casualties, Malkov stated on Telegram. – AFP
