Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy once again appealed for more air-defence systems on Saturday. His request came a day after Russian missile strikes on Kyiv killed seven people and damaged residential buildings across the capital.

The attacks underscored the severe challenges Ukraine faces as the war approaches its fourth winter, with diplomatic attempts to end the conflict still stalled.

New Casualties in the South

Ukraine also reported more losses on Saturday. Officials said Russian attacks killed four people in the country’s southern region. Zelenskyy urged international partners to increase support. “Ukraine needs support that saves lives: more air-defence systems, more protective capabilities and greater resolve from our partners,” he wrote on social media.

Death Toll From Kyiv Attack Rises

Authorities said the number of deaths from Friday’s missile strike climbed to seven after an elderly woman died in hospital. Zelenskyy highlighted the story of one victim, Nataliia Khodemnchuk. She was the wife of a Chernobyl nuclear plant operator who died during the 1986 disaster.

“Nearly four decades later, Nataliia was killed in a new tragedy caused once again by the Kremlin,” Zelenskyy said. Other victims included a couple in their 70s and a 62-year-old resident.

Ukraine Says It Hit Russian Refinery

On the same day, Ukraine announced it had carried out a strike on a Russian oil refinery near Moscow. The Ukrainian army said on social media that it targeted a refinery in the Ryazan region. It described the operation as “part of efforts to reduce the enemy’s ability to launch missile and bomb strikes”.

Ukraine has repeatedly launched drone and missile attacks inside Russia since the invasion began in 2022.

Russia Claims It Shot Down 25 Drones

Ryazan governor Pavel Malkov said Russian air defences intercepted 25 Ukrainian drones overnight. He reported that “falling debris caused a fire on the premises of one enterprise” but confirmed that there were no injuries. He shared the update on Telegram.