Russian Air Barrage Kills Dozens as Ukraine Pleads for More Defenses

Russian Air Barrage Kills Dozens as Ukraine Pleads for More Defenses A relentless wave of Russian missile and drone attacks is killing scores of Ukrainian civilians, overwhelming the country’s air defenses as it faces critical ammunition shortages [131470][131017]. The strikes, described as the deadliest of the year, have prompted urgent new pleas from Kyiv for advanced Western air defense systems to protect its cities and infrastructure. Overnight assaults across multiple regions killed at least 17 people in one attack alone, with rescue workers continuing to search through rubble for survivors [131017]. In a separate barrage, at least 16 more civilians were killed [131470]. The widespread damage to apartment buildings and residential areas has underscored the vulnerability of the population. Ukrainian officials confirm that their air force is now forced to ration its most advanced interceptor missiles, such as those for Patriot systems, saving them only for the most critical threats due to a shortage of ammunition from delayed Western aid [131470]. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly condemned the attacks and called on allies to provide more protection [131017]. The mounting civilian toll comes as international support evolves. Denmark, a key military backer, announced a new €33 million aid package focused not on weapons, but on training Ukrainian soldiers in battlefield survival skills like medical care and mine clearance [85441]. Officials described the move as a shift toward ensuring Ukraine can sustain a capable fighting force for the long term. In a diplomatic development, Austria has agreed to join an international tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, adding political weight to efforts aimed at holding Russian leadership accountable for starting the war [131470]. Ukraine Rations Air Defenses as Civilian Toll Mounts Deadliest Russian Air Attack of Year Kills 17 in Ukraine Denmark's New Ukraine Aid: Buying Survival, Not Just Weapons