Russian strikes hit Kyiv as Zelensky seeks air defenses and meets Serbian leader

Recent overnight Russian missile strikes across the Kyiv region resulted in significant casualties, with reporting indicating between 14 and 17 fatalities and dozens of injuries. Ukrainian air defenses failed to intercept incoming missiles during an hour-long aerial alert, leading to widespread damage across residential areas and commercial facilities. While Russian officials claimed the operation targeted military infrastructure, Kyiv condemned the barrage as deliberate strikes on civilian targets. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated calls for Western allies to supply advanced ballistic missile interceptors to protect citizens.

Concurrently, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic denied allegations that Belgrade was exporting weaponry to Ukraine following a bilateral meeting with Zelensky. A senior Ukrainian official characterized the diplomatic engagement as an effort to distance Serbia from its traditional alignment with Moscow.

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