Deadly Russian strikes hit Kyiv as Zelensky seeks air defenses

Overnight Russian missile strikes against the Kyiv region have left at least 17 people dead and dozens injured after Ukrainian air defense systems failed to intercept the incoming barrage. Air raid sirens sounded across the capital for over an hour, with impacts reported at seven separate locations, including residential areas and commercial warehouses.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed calls to Western allies for advanced ballistic missile interceptors, stating such defense systems "could have saved lives." While Russian officials maintained that the operation exclusively targeted military infrastructure, Ukrainian authorities accused Moscow of striking civilian zones.

Meanwhile, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic refuted claims that Belgrade is supplying weaponry to Kyiv. The statement followed diplomatic talks with Zelensky aimed at loosening Serbia's traditional alignment with Russia.

Sources: Diário de Notícias (DN), Expresso, Jornal Económico, RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)