At least three people, including a child, were killed in overnight Russian attacks near the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. The strikes targeted areas east of the capital, with witnesses reporting powerful explosions just days after attacks across Ukraine killed 21 people.

Falling debris damaged apartment buildings and cars, while a fire broke out at a separate building, according to Timur Tkachenko, head of the regional military administration. He added that three others were wounded in the ballistic missile strikes.

Emergency crews were also fighting fires at a building and fuel tank in Kyiv, Mayor Vitali Klitschko wrote on Telegram. Ukraine's state emergency service DSNS shared photos showing garages, a business, and a building on fire, noting that the number of victims was being clarified.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Serbia for his first visit after raising concerns about Ukraine's capacity to fend off Russian missile attacks due to depleting interceptor stockpiles. Earlier in the week, he claimed that delays in receiving anti-ballistic systems from partners lead to "horrific casualties and destruction," suggesting that stronger interceptor capability "could have saved lives."

Zelensky also stated that the supply of interceptors from allies had been "significantly reduced" this year. The comments came after Ukraine hit two oil refineries deep inside Russia and Moscow-linked vessels in the Black Sea, which Zelensky said was intended to limit oil revenues used by Russia to finance its war.

Recent mediation talks have faltered, leading to an escalation of attacks between both sides. The situation remains tense, with no immediate prospect of de-escalation.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk