Russia-Ukraine War: 12 Wounded in Latest Strikes as Zelensky Demands More Air Defenses
At least 12 people were injured as Russia carried out overnight missile and drone strikes across Ukraine from Saturday to Sunday, according to local authorities. The attacks once again targeted civilian and military infrastructure, prompting renewed pleas from President Volodymyr Zelensky for additional Western air defense systems, particularly the U.S.-made Patriot missiles.
Ukraine’s air force reported that 477 drones and 60 missiles were launched in the latest barrage. They managed to intercept 475 drones and 39 missiles, yet the remnants caused significant damage and casualties in multiple regions. In the central Cherkasy area, 11 people—including two children—were injured, while a woman was hospitalized in western Ivano-Frankivsk.
In a separate tragic incident, a Ukrainian fighter pilot was killed during the operation. According to the Ukrainian military, his F-16 was damaged before he could eject, as he attempted to intercept incoming Russian projectiles.
Additionally, in the Kharkiv region, where Russian forces are pushing forward, a 60-year-old man was killed when a drone struck his vehicle.
Zelensky, expressing frustration over continued Western delays, said the scale and persistence of Russia’s assault proved President Vladimir Putin’s intent to prolong the war regardless of global appeals for peace. He emphasized that bolstering Ukraine’s air defense was essential to protect civilian lives and maintain national resilience.
Despite Kyiv’s urgent appeals, U.S. President Donald Trump has not publicly responded regarding additional Patriot systems or broader air defense support.
On the battlefield, Russia claimed new gains in the eastern Donetsk region and said it had targeted Ukrainian defense industries and fuel facilities in the latest attack. Moscow also reported intercepting three Ukrainian drones.
Meanwhile, Russian intelligence chief Sergei Naryshkin stated he had a recent phone call with CIA Director John Ratcliffe, during which both agreed to keep communication open. No further details of the discussion were disclosed.
The latest developments underscore the intensifying nature of the war as diplomatic efforts remain stalled and both sides dig in for prolonged conflict.
