Zelensky says Ukraine's air defenses are under growing strain as Russian attacks kill at least nine
By SCN NEWS | Kyiv
KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that the country's air defense network is coming under increasing pressure after Russia launched another large-scale overnight barrage of missiles and drones that killed at least nine people and wounded dozens more across multiple regions.
The latest wave of attacks targeted residential neighborhoods, energy facilities and civilian infrastructure, prompting renewed appeals from Kyiv for additional Western air defense systems and interceptor missiles.
Speaking after receiving updates from military commanders, Zelensky said Ukraine's air defenses remain operational but are being overwhelmed by the scale and frequency of Russia's combined missile and drone assaults.
"Every delay in strengthening our air shield costs lives," Zelensky said, urging allies to accelerate deliveries of Patriot systems, interceptor missiles and other advanced air-defense equipment.
Ukraine's Air Force said Russian forces launched dozens of drones alongside cruise and ballistic missiles in coordinated attacks designed to exhaust Ukrainian defenses before striking key targets.
Officials reported fatalities in several regions, with emergency crews continuing rescue operations amid damaged apartment buildings and critical infrastructure. Local authorities warned that casualty figures could rise as search teams clear debris.
Russia has intensified long-range strikes in recent months, targeting military facilities, logistics hubs and Ukraine's energy network. Moscow maintains that its attacks are aimed at military objectives, while Ukrainian officials say residential areas and civilian infrastructure continue to bear the brunt of the bombardment.
The renewed attacks come as Ukraine faces mounting pressure along parts of the front line and increasing concerns over the sustainability of its air-defense capacity. Military analysts say Russia has adapted its tactics by launching large numbers of drones alongside high-precision missiles to complicate interception efforts.
Western governments have pledged additional military assistance, but Ukrainian officials continue to warn that demand for air-defense interceptors is outpacing supply.
The latest strikes underscore the continuing intensity of the war despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, with neither Moscow nor Kyiv showing signs of easing military operations.