Russian Attacks on Kiev and Surrounding Area Result in Casualties

Four individuals, including a child, were killed in Russian attacks on Kiev, Ukraine, and the nearby region, local officials reported on Saturday. At the same time, Ukraine targeted another oil refinery in Russia. Residents face frequent drone and missile barrages, which Ukraine’s strained air defenses struggle to counter amid Moscow’s large-scale invasion lasting over four years. Ukrainian strikes on oil facilities have led to fuel shortages, causing concern in Russia.

Tragic Loss of Life in Kiev Region

Two grandparents and their 3-year-old grandson died when Russian drones destroyed their home in Brovary, northeast of Kiev, early Saturday. Three other family members and a neighbor helping them were hospitalized, according to local authorities. The attack reduced the house to rubble and damaged nearby structures and vehicles.

In Kiev, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that another individual died in a ‘six ballistic missile attack on civilian infrastructure.’

Ukrainian Air Defense Efforts

Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting or shooting down 135 of the 151 drones launched by Russia overnight. The offensive also included six ballistic missiles and other guided projectiles. Russia targets Ukrainian civilian areas, though Moscow claims its troops only aim at military sites. The Kremlin exploits Ukraine’s critical shortage of U.S.-made Patriot interceptors, the only defense capable of downing ballistic missiles. Zelenskyy has urged countries, especially the U.S., for more munitions. He proposes manufacturing them domestically or using Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite system for guidance in attacks within Russia.

Zelenskyy requested additional sanctions to ‘prevent the production of these ballistic missiles,’ along with ‘anti-ballistic capabilities’ and ‘interceptor missiles.’

Continued Air Defense Challenges

Ukrainian air defenses claimed to have downed about 5,300 drones and missiles last month, involving nearly 9,000 Russian-launched drones and projectiles, said Kiev’s Ministry of Defense.

Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Oil Facilities

In Russia, six people suffered injuries due to a fire at the Ilsky oil refinery in Krasnodar, caused by drone debris, as explained by local authorities. Ukraine’s General Staff noted their forces attacked Krasnodar and the Syzran oil refinery in Samara, over 800 kilometers from the border. Long-range Ukrainian attacks with drones and missiles have targeted Russian oil facilities for months, leading to a fuel crisis in Russia. The governor of Samara, Vyacheslav Fedorishchev, acknowledged drone attacks on an ‘industrial enterprise’ without mentioning the refinery specifically.

Zelenskyy’s Visit to Serbia

The strikes occurred shortly after Zelenskyy arrived in Serbia for his first official visit. Serbia is one of the few European countries maintaining friendly ties with Russia despite its invasion of Ukraine. ‘Important discussions are scheduled today and tomorrow,’ said Zelenskyy on Friday, noting meetings with his counterpart, Aleksandar Vucic, and Prime Minister Djuro Macut. ‘We will discuss economic ties between our countries, relations with the European Union, and other practical opportunities to benefit our people, as well as security issues.’

Elise Morton from The Associated Press contributed from London.