At least four people were killed and 15 wounded in a combined Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine's Kyiv region overnight, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Saturday.
Regional officials reported that the strikes damaged residential buildings, educational institutions, and critical infrastructure. Zelenskyy stated the primary target was the region's energy infrastructure. Air defenses intercepted a significant portion of the incoming Russian weaponry.
The attacks occurred as peace talks between Russia and Ukraine were postponed, with the US citing the ongoing war in the Middle East. President Zelenskyy expressed concern that Russia might exploit the Middle East conflict to increase its destructive actions in Ukraine and Europe. He urged Western allies to prioritize the production of air defense missiles, particularly those capable of countering ballistic threats.
Kyiv also flagged concerns about potential new revenue for Russia's war effort due to a temporary easing of US sanctions on Russian oil. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drones reportedly struck an oil refinery and a port in Russia's Krasnodar region overnight, causing damage and minor injuries.