Deadly aerial strikes hit Kyiv and Russian regions as drone warfare intensifies

Heavy cross-border strikes have continued between Russia and Ukraine, causing substantial casualties on both sides. A massive Russian bombardment targeting Kyiv and its surrounding region killed at least 17 people and injured over 40 others, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to renew calls for additional Western air defense interceptors. Glide bomb attacks also struck residential districts in Zaporizhzhia.

In turn, Ukrainian drone strikes hit several Russian regions, including Belgorod, Crimea, the Black Sea coast near Gelendzhik, and the outskirts of Moscow. Ukrainian intelligence indicated that Russian forces have concentrated three air defense rings around Moscow and Saint Petersburg to shield key urban centers from drone incursions.

Meanwhile, discussions over long-term security continued as Zelensky pointed to forthcoming post-war American guarantees, while former US President Donald Trump expressed caution regarding plans to manufacture Patriot defense systems directly within Ukraine.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica, La Stampa.