Russian Strikes Kill Four Near Kyiv as Ukraine’s Air Defences Struggle; Kyiv Reports Strikes Deep Inside Russia

Four people, including a 3-year-old child, were killed in Russian drone and missile strikes on Kyiv and the nearby Brovary district on Saturday, Ukrainian officials said. The attacks came amid repeated long-range Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure and growing concerns about shortages of interceptors for Ukraine's air-defence systems.

Firefighters put out a fire after Russian missiles hit a warehouse in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Dan Bashakov)(AP Photo/Dan Bashakov)

Brovary Casualty and Damage
Local authorities said two grandparents and their 3-year-old grandson died after multiple Russian drones destroyed their home in Brovary, northeast of Kyiv. Three other relatives and a neighbor who rushed to help were hospitalized. The assault reduced the house to rubble and also wrecked outbuildings and vehicles.

Firefighters work at the site of a fire after Russian missiles hit a food warehouse near Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)(AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Deadly Strike in Kyiv
In Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at least one additional civilian died in what he described as "a strike involving six ballistic missiles against civilian infrastructure." Ukraine's air force reported that its crews had downed or intercepted 135 of 151 drones launched overnight, in an attack that also included six ballistic missiles and other guided weapons.

FILE - Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy looks od during his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, on July 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Air-Defence Strain
The recent raids underlined persistent gaps in Ukraine's air-defence network, particularly a shortage of interceptors for U.S.-made Patriot batteries—the main system currently capable of reliably engaging ballistic missiles. Zelenskyy has appealed to partner countries, especially the United States, for more Patriot ammunition and has said Kyiv could produce some Patriot munitions domestically if supplies do not arrive. He has also requested permission from SpaceX to use Starlink for guidance of strikes on Russian missile launchers, aiming to disrupt future attacks.

Strikes Inside Russia and Fuel Impact
Ukraine's General Staff said its forces struck the Ilsky Oil Refinery in the Krasnodar region and the Syzran refinery in the Samara region, facilities located more than 800 kilometers (about 500 miles) inside Russia. Russian regional officials reported a fire at the Ilsky refinery caused by falling debris from a drone, wounding six people. Kyiv's long-range strikes on Russian oil infrastructure have continued for months, contributing to fuel shortages inside Russia.

Scope of The Campaign
Ukraine's defence ministry reported its forces shot down roughly 5,300 drones and missiles last month, nearly 60% of the approximately 9,000 attack drones and missiles launched by Russia during that period, underscoring the intensity of the campaign and the heavy demands it places on Ukraine's air-defence resources.

Diplomacy
The latest attacks came hours after President Zelenskyy arrived in Belgrade for his first official visit to Serbia since the war began. He said talks scheduled during the visit would focus on expanding economic ties, relations with the European Union and security cooperation. Zelenskyy said he planned meetings with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Serbia's prime minister to pursue practical steps that benefit both countries and strengthen security.

Associated Press writer Elise Morton in London contributed to this report.