Russian strikes kill civilians near Kyiv on Zelenskyy’s Serbia visit
Russian strikes on the Kyiv region killed civilians and damaged buildings, vehicles and other infrastructure, Ukrainian officials said, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy travelled to Serbia for talks with President Aleksandar Vučić.
Ukrainian officials said there were casualties from overnight Russian strikes in and around Kyiv, with emergency crews responding to fires and damage at several locations.
The attacks came amid rising fears over Ukraine’s capacity to defend its cities from Russian ballistic missiles. Russia continues to strike Ukrainian population centres with missiles and drones, while Kyiv has repeatedly asked its allies for more air-defence interceptors.
Zelenskyy has warned that delays and cuts to the supply of air-defence interceptors could leave Ukraine more exposed to Russian missile attacks. Ukrainian officials said more systems would help protect civilians and critical infrastructure.
The latest strikes follow a series of attacks across Ukraine recently that have killed civilians and caused widespread destruction. Diplomatic efforts to end the war have seen limited progress as Russia and Ukraine continue to exchange long-range attacks.
It is Zelenskyy's first official visit to Serbia. He and Vučić are expected to talk about economic cooperation, Serbia’s relationship with the European Union and regional security.
Serbia has backed Ukraine’s territorial integrity and provided humanitarian aid but has not joined Western sanctions against Russia. Belgrade wants to join the European Union while preserving its links with Moscow.
The Serb’s visit comes as Kyiv seeks continued international support for its defence against Russian attacks and for Ukraine’s reconstruction.
Note from the editor: Casualty numbers and exact locations in the first paragraphs should be updated with the latest reports from Ukrainian emergency services and military administration before publication.
