Four people, including a child, were killed in Russian attacks on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, and its surrounding region on Saturday, local officials reported. The casualties underscore the ongoing struggle of Ukraine's air defenses to counter regular barrages amid Russia's protracted invasion.

Two grandparents and their 3-year-old grandson died when multiple Russian drones destroyed their home in the Brovary district, northeast of Kyiv, early Saturday. Three other family members and a neighbor who attempted to assist were hospitalized. The attack left the house in ruins and damaged nearby structures and vehicles.

In Kyiv city, at least one other person was killed in what President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as a strike involving six ballistic missiles targeting civilian infrastructure. Ukraine's air force stated it intercepted 135 out of 151 drones launched by Russia overnight, along with some ballistic and guided missiles.

Russia continues to target civilian areas in Ukraine, despite Moscow's assertions that its forces only strike military facilities. A significant factor in the effectiveness of these attacks is Russia's exploitation of Ukraine's critical shortage of interceptors for U.S.-made Patriot systems, the only defense capable of downing ballistic missiles.

President Zelenskyy has repeatedly appealed to international partners, particularly the United States, for additional interceptor ammunition, which has become scarcer due to global demand. He has also explored options for domestic production of Patriot ammunition and sought permission to use Starlink satellite systems for guiding strikes inside Russia.

Following the latest attacks, Zelenskyy urged for more sanctions to hinder the production of ballistic missiles and to bolster Ukraine's anti-ballistic and interceptor missile capabilities. Last month, Ukraine's air defenses reportedly shot down approximately 5,300 drones and missiles, representing just under 60% of the nearly 9,000 aerial threats Russia launched.

Meanwhile, in Russia, five people were injured when a fire broke out at the Ilsky Oil Refinery in the Krasnodar region. Local officials attributed the incident to debris from a falling drone. Ukraine has been conducting frequent long-range drone and missile strikes against Russian oil facilities for months, contributing to fuel shortages and causing concern within the Kremlin.

These recent attacks occurred shortly after President Zelenskyy's arrival in Serbia on Friday for his first official visit to the country, which has maintained relations with Russia despite the ongoing conflict.