Ukraine Under Fire: Deadly Strikes Intensify Calls for Air Defense aid
KYIV, Ukraine - Overnight into Saturday, a barrage of Russian missile and drone attacks struck Ukraine, resulting in at least four confirmed fatalities and leaving 20 individuals wounded, according to Ukrainian officials. The escalating violence has reignited urgent appeals from President Volodymyr zelenskyy for increased Western support, specifically advanced air defense systems like the Patriot.
In Kyiv, a ballistic missile attack in the early hours of Saturday claimed the lives of two people and injured 13 others. Emergency services reported a fire erupted in a non-residential building, while debris from intercepted missiles caused damage to windows in surrounding areas. Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned residents via Telegram: “Explosions in the capital. The city is under ballistic attack.”
The Dnipropetrovsk region also suffered casualties, with two deaths and seven injuries reported. Acting regional Governor Vladyslav Haivanenko stated that both apartment buildings and private homes sustained damage in the strikes.
Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 50 of the 62 drones and 4 of the 9 missiles launched by Russia. However, the sheer volume of the attack underscores the critical need for bolstered defenses.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have downed 121 Ukrainian drones over its own territory overnight.
Zelenskyy Pleads for Patriot Systems & Increased Sanctions
President Zelenskyy emphasized the vital role of Patriot defense systems in protecting Ukrainian cities from the relentless attacks. “It is precisely because of such attacks that we pay special attention to Patriot systems – to be able to protect our cities from this horror,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “it is critical that partners who possess relevant capability implement what we have discussed in recent days.” He directly appealed to the United States, Europe, and the G7 nations to provide assistance, stating they “can help ensure that such attacks no longer threaten lives.”
