Russian forces kill several in Ukraine, launch ‘brutal’ attack in Odesa

Belgrade, Serbia witnessed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit on Saturday, amidst Russia's deadly strikes on Kyiv. Four individuals, including a child, lost their lives in the overnight attacks. Zelenskyy arrived in Belgrade on Friday for his maiden official visit to Serbia. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic described Ukraine as a "friendly nation" and expressed honor in welcoming the Ukrainian leader, marking the first visit by a Ukrainian president in eight years.

The leaders discussed their countries' aspirations for joining the European Union, bilateral ties, and avenues for enhanced cooperation.

Kyiv residents face persistent drone and missile barrages, which Ukraine's depleted air defenses struggle to counter due to the ongoing full-scale Russian invasion over four years. Meanwhile, repeated Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities have triggered fuel shortages and anxiety in Russia. Vucic, known for close ties with Moscow and refusal to sanction Russia over the invasion, reiterated Serbia's respect for Ukraine's territorial integrity, reaffirming his stance would not alter.

Zelenskyy informed the press that there was another missile strike last night, involving ballistic missiles targeting Ukraine's infrastructure, along with attack drones. He stated that deliveries of Patriot air defense interceptors, Ukraine's sole air defense weapon capable of shooting down ballistic missiles, have slowed in comparison to a year ago. In 2025, there were fewer monthly supplies of these missiles, Zelenskyy candidly mentioned.

Washington has agreed to let Ukraine manufacture its own Patriot air defense interceptors, but the process for obtaining licenses is moving at a snail's pace, according to Zelenskyy. The talks in Belgrade followed multiple Russian drone attacks that destroyed a family's home in the Brovary district, killing a 3-year-old child, his grandparents, and injuring three other family members and a neighbor.

Ukraine's air force reported downing or intercepting 135 out of 151 drones launched by Russia overnight, including six ballistic missiles and other guided missiles. Russia consistently targets civilian areas of Ukraine despite claiming it only targets military facilities.