Zelensky Warns of Overwhelmed Air Defenses as Russian Strikes Kill Nine in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed calls for Western air defense support after a deadly overnight Russian assault killed at least nine people and wounded 30, including four children. Only one of 27 ballistic missiles fired was intercepted, marking the second major aerial attack in two days. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the strikes damaged 18 buildings, a school, the Lithuanian embassy, and left people trapped under debris in a residential building.

Patriot Missile Shortage Deepens Crisis

Zelensky said Ukraine is running low on interceptor missiles for its Patriot defense systems, warning the shortage is emboldening further Russian strikes. He stressed that these systems are needed immediately rather than stored for future scenarios, adding that every missing anti-ballistic package results in lost lives.

Wider Toll Across the Country

Beyond Kyiv, regions including Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Poltava were also targeted. Over the past 24 hours, at least 14 civilians have been killed and 87 injured nationwide. Russia said it intercepted 274 Ukrainian drones overnight, including some near Moscow.

US Hesitant on Patriot Technology Transfer

President Donald Trump said he remains cautious about allowing Ukraine to manufacture its own Patriot interceptors, citing concerns over sharing sensitive technology, a shift from earlier remarks made at a NATO summit last month.