Ukraine seeks PAC-3 missiles as Russia rejects conflict freeze

Russia has rejected the possibility of freezing the conflict along current contact lines, according to presidential advisor Yuri Ushakov. Amidst this stance, Ukraine continues to face intense aerial bombardment.

President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that recent massive Russian attacks using a combination of missiles and drones targeted civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings, a pediatric hospital, and a school. The strikes caused at least 12 deaths in Kyiv and one death in the surrounding region, with approximately 40 people injured. Damage was also reported in the Odessa and Chernihiv regions.

Zelensky emphasized that peace remains unlikely as long as Ukraine lacks sufficient anti-missile defenses. He issued an urgent plea for PAC-3 interceptor missiles to replenish Patriot systems, noting that the current shortage leaves civilian populations vulnerable to ongoing ballistic and drone escalations.