Child among three killed in Russian missile attacks near Kyiv

In the early hours of Saturday, Russian missiles struck near the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, resulting in at least three fatalities, including a child, and injuring three others, according to local official Timur Tkachenko. The missile attacks came just days after previous strikes across Ukraine claimed the lives of 21 people. The ballistic missile strikes caused significant damage, destroying apartment buildings and vehicles, and igniting fires in various locations, including Kyiv, as reported by Mayor Vitaly Klitchko through Telegram.

Emergency crews were on the scene battling flames at a building and a fuel tank in the capital. Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky was in Serbia for his first official visit, where he met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to discuss economic relations, security concerns, and their relationship with the European Union.

Zelensky's visit aimed to bolster support for Ukraine, but Vučić's decision not to impose sanctions on Russia posed a challenge for the Ukrainian leader. Serbia, striving for EU membership, had provided aid to Ukraine and pledged to assist in post-war reconstruction efforts. During the week, Zelensky had criticized the delayed delivery of anti-ballistic systems from allies, stating that a stronger interceptor capability could have prevented the recent tragic casualties.

He also mentioned that the supply of interceptors from partners had significantly diminished in the current year. Recent mediation talks had hit a roadblock, leading to a further escalation of hostilities between the warring parties.