Intensive cross-border strikes hit Kyiv and Russian regions as Zelensky appeals for air defence

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Posted Aug 18, 2026, 08:00 PM UTC · In the digest of 2026-08-18-2000
Intensive cross-border strikes hit Kyiv and Russian regions as Zelensky appeals for air defence
Photo: Corriere della Sera

Deadly strikes hit Kyiv and multiple Russian regions as President Zelensky renews appeals for Western air defence interceptors amid escalating cross-border aerial bombardments.

A wave of intense cross-border strikes has caused significant casualties across Ukraine and Russia. Russian bombardments targeting Kyiv and its surrounding region killed at least 17 people and injured over 40, prompting President Volodymyr Zelensky to issue renewed calls for Western air defence interceptors. Russian glide bombs also struck residential areas in Zaporizhzhia.

Simultaneously, Ukrainian drone and missile operations targeted several Russian locations, including the outskirts of Moscow, Belgorod, Crimea, and a Black Sea resort area near Gelendzhik, causing multiple civilian casualties. Zelensky noted that Russia has established three concentric air defence rings around Moscow and Saint Petersburg to counter incoming drones.

On the diplomatic front, Zelensky expressed confidence in future United States security guarantees, while Donald Trump voiced caution regarding proposed domestic Patriot missile production in Ukraine.

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

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