Ukraine claims Russia reinforced air defenses around Moscow amid strikes

Cross-border aerial bombardments between Russian and Ukrainian forces have intensified, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. Ukrainian drone attacks targeted areas near Moscow, Belgorod, Crimea, and Gelendzhik, leaving multiple people dead and injured. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia redeployed air defense systems from other sectors to establish three protective rings around Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Concurrently, Russian missile and glide-bomb strikes hit Ukrainian residential areas in Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia. A massive attack on the capital region left at least 17 people dead and over 40 injured. Zelensky again appealed to Western allies for air defense interceptors to protect civilians, while affirming that Ukrainian forces will not voluntarily withdraw from the Donbas region.

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