Deadly aerial exchanges intensify as Ukraine and Russia strike key targets
Intensified aerial attacks between Russia and Ukraine leave dozens dead across Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Moscow's outskirts, and Black Sea coastal areas.
Cross-border aerial bombardments between Russia and Ukraine have escalated significantly, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides.
A massive Russian missile strike on Kyiv and surrounding areas killed at least 17 people and injured over 40, prompting President Volodymyr Zelensky to renew urgent appeals for Western air defence interceptors. Russian glide bombs also struck residential neighbourhoods in Zaporizhzhia.
Concurrently, Ukrainian drone and missile operations targeted several Russian locations, including the outskirts of Moscow, Belgorod, Crimea, and a Black Sea coast area near Gelendzhik, causing multiple fatalities. Zelensky stated that Russia has deployed three air defence rings around Moscow and Saint Petersburg to counter incoming drones.
On the political front, Zelensky affirmed expectations of future United States security guarantees, while Donald Trump voiced caution regarding proposed Patriot missile manufacturing in Ukraine. Separately, Italian forces intercepted a Russian shadow fleet tanker off Pantelleria.
Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica, La Stampa.