Ukraine warns of tough winter as Russia strikes kill 4 in Kyiv region

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned of an upcoming winter plagued by a lack of functional thermal power plants during a visit to Belgrade, Serbia. This dire forecast comes after Russian strikes killed four individuals, including a young child, in the Kyiv region. Speaking alongside Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Zelenskyy emphasized that Moscow's incessant strikes and shelling on frontline communities have resulted in the deaths of 13 people within the past 24 hours.

He stated that Russian missiles are deliberately aimed at causing Ukrainian suffering, specifically targeting the country's energy infrastructure. With only a fraction of its thermal power plants operational, Ukraine is bracing for the winter heating season. The ongoing escalation of long-range strikes between the two nations has led to a surge in civilian casualties.

Zelenskyy called for increased US-made Patriot interceptors and other Western air-defenses to counter the growing threat. Serbia, traditionally an ally of Russia, has not imposed sanctions on the country, despite the ongoing conflict. Vucic reiterated that his government's stance has remained consistent, focusing on non-military aid to Ukraine.

The visit aimed to seek support from Serbia, which Zelenskyy has not done since assuming office in 2019. Russia has accused Serbian firms of supplying weapons to Ukraine, a claim Vucic firmly denies. The Serbian leader stressed that his policy of supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity remains steadfast. The recent series of missile and drone attacks by Russia on the Ukrainian capital and surrounding areas resulted in numerous casualties, including the death of a three-year-old boy in a double-tap strike.