Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has emphasized the urgent need for improved air-defense systems to protect Ukrainian citizens as Russia intensifies aerial assaults, deploying over 800 guided bombs, approximately 460 strike drones, and more than 20 missiles within the past week alone. In a social media message, Zelenskiy underscored the critical importance of enhancing Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and noted that efforts are ongoing with partners to bolster these systems.

On the same day, both Ukraine and Russia reported successfully repelling numerous drones overnight. Ukrainian forces claimed to have downed 50 out of 73 Russian drones, with many targeting the capital, Kyiv, where air-raid alerts were activated for more than three hours due to drones approaching from multiple directions. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

In contrast, Russia’s Defense Ministry indicated that its air-defense systems intercepted 34 drones, including 27 in the Kursk region, which borders Ukraine. However, they did not disclose any related damages or casualties.

The situation in the Kursk region remains tense, as Ukrainian forces had achieved significant territorial gains in August, capturing nearly 1,400 square kilometers. However, they have since lost around 40 percent of that area, currently controlling approximately 800 square kilometers, according to reports from Ukraine’s General Staff.

There are also developments on the international front regarding military support for Ukraine. The United States and the United Kingdom have reportedly authorized Ukraine to employ ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles to strike key targets within Russia, such as command centers and logistics hubs. France has similarly indicated its support for Ukraine’s potential use of French long-range missiles in self-defense, although it has not confirmed whether these weapons have been deployed in strikes against Russian territory.

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