Zelensky Calls on Allies for “Patriot” Systems as Kyiv Death Toll Reaches 16

A series of Russian missile strikes hit Kyiv and the surrounding areas in the early hours of Thursday, killing at least 16 people and injuring more than 30 others.

According to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service, residential buildings and warehouses were damaged in various parts of the city overnight. The strikes came as Ukraine faces a shortage of missiles for its air defense systems.

Local authorities said that a children’s hospital and a school were among the facilities affected. Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky said the loss of life was linked to a shortage of air defense ammunition, which Kyiv receives from its Western allies.

“I call on our allies, indeed I plead with them, to provide us with long-range missile defense systems. ‘Patriot’ systems are ideal for stopping these bloody attacks by Russia,” Zelensky said.

Meanwhile, Romania announced on Thursday that a drone had crossed into its territory through the northern border with Ukraine, prompting the activation of air raid sirens.

The Polish military also said it had implemented “defensive operations” to secure its airspace, as Poland shares part of its southeastern border with Ukraine.