Child among three killed in Russian missile attacks near Kyiv

In a tragic turn of events, at least three individuals, including a child, were reported killed in Russian missile strikes near the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. These attacks took place in the early hours of Saturday, following a series of strikes across Ukraine that claimed the lives of 21 people just days prior. The explosions caused significant damage, with falling debris harming apartment buildings and vehicles.

Firefighters battled blazes at separate locations, including a building and fuel tank in Kyiv. Mayor Vitaly Klitchko reported three additional casualties resulting from the ballistic missile strikes. President Volodymyr Zelensky, currently in Belgrade for his inaugural visit, addressed the capacity of Ukraine to withstand Russian missile attacks due to diminishing interceptor stockpiles.

Zelensky is striving to garner support for Ukraine, yet Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has declined to impose sanctions on Russia, citing Serbia's EU aspirations. Serbia has, however, extended aid to Ukraine and committed to aiding its post-war reconstruction. The two leaders planned to deliberate on economic ties, relations with the EU, and security matters during their meeting in Belgrade.

Zelensky had previously criticized delays in receiving anti-ballistic systems from allies, positing that enhanced interceptor capabilities could have potentially saved lives in recent lethal assaults. Recent mediation efforts have faltered, leading to a surge in attacks between the two nations.