Russian strikes hit Kyiv as Ukrainian drones target regions across Russia

Russian forces launched a series of heavy strikes across Ukraine, including a massive aerial bombardment on Kyiv and its surrounding region that killed at least 17 people and injured 44. Russian glide bombs also targeted residential neighborhoods in Zaporizhzhia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Western partners to provide additional interceptors, stating that adequate air defense could have saved lives, while affirming that Ukrainian troops will not voluntarily withdraw from the Donbas region.

Simultaneously, Ukrainian drone attacks hit several locations across Russia and Russian-controlled territories, including Belgorod, Crimea, Gelendzhik, and a suburb of Moscow, causing multiple casualties. The escalation follows reports that Moscow redeployed frontline air-defense systems to erect three defensive rings around its capital and Saint Petersburg.

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