Zelensky calls for more ballistic missile defense after Russia’s overnight attack
President Volodymyr Zelensky, following another overnight Russian air attack, called on partners to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense, including through the PURL mechanism.
Kyiv, Ukraine witnessed a massive overnight Russian strike on nine cities on Thursday, August 27, 2026, with smoke rising over the city center after the attack. The onslaught began after nightfall on Wednesday and continued into daylight hours, with explosions echoing around the capital through the morning. Ukraine is critically low on U.S.-made Patriot air defense missiles to counter Russia's ballistic missiles, while Moscow's fast-flying jet-powered drones pose another challenge.
Ukrainian officials claim Russia builds up missile stocks and conducts major attacks every few days, aiming to exhaust Ukrainian defenses with sheer numbers. In response, Ukraine has targeted high-profile Russian sites to inflict mutual destruction. The Russian Defense Ministry reported a "massive" strike on military-related infrastructure, including industrial facilities, oil refineries, logistics hubs, and port infrastructure.
Civilian areas, such as apartment blocks, sustained damage, resulting in at least nine people wounded and a 78-year-old woman killed in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concern over Russia's increasing investment in missiles and expanding the war, emphasizing the need for additional ballistic missile defense packages through European purchases of weapons from the United States.
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