Russian strikes hit Kyiv as Moscow strengthens air defenses around capital

Overnight Russian strikes across Kyiv and its surrounding region left at least 17 people dead and 44 injured. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that interceptor systems "could have saved the lives" of the victims, while eight Russian glide bombs also struck residential areas in Zaporizhzhia.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone attacks targeted several Russian positions, including Crimea, Belgorod, and a coastal area near Gelendzhik, resulting in at least 11 deaths and multiple injuries. In response to recent Ukrainian raids, Ukrainian officials reported that Russia deployed three concentric air defense rings around Moscow and Saint Petersburg, reallocating anti-aircraft systems from other fronts. Zelensky emphasized that despite these deployments, Russian ammunition reserves would eventually run low.

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