Jul 16, Kathmandu - Fighting between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in the deaths of at least five civilians, according to officials. Recent reports indicate increased Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Moscow in retaliation for Russian assaults.

Ukrainian shelling has claimed the lives of a 15-year-old girl and her grandmother in a village near Bryansk, on Ukraine’s western border, stated Acting Governor Yegor Kovalchuk. Additionally, a drone attack in the Yaroslavl region, approximately 300 kilometers northeast of Moscow, reportedly caused another fatality.

In Kyiv, Russian missile strikes overnight have left two dead and five others injured, including a child, according to Ukraine’s emergency services. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Moscow’s reliance on ballistic missile attacks, emphasizing the need for advanced air defense systems.

“Russia continues its ballistic missile terror,” Zelenskyy stated, revealing that eight ballistic missiles and 151 drones were launched. Ukrainian air defenses reportedly intercepted many of these threats, preventing further destruction.

The recent attack in Kyiv comes shortly after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to the city. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan were both in Kyiv on Thursday, highlighting international concern over the ongoing conflict.

This marks the sixth ballistic missile attack on Kyiv since July, with the city consistently facing missile barrages since last month. Ukraine faces shortages of critical missile systems needed to counter ballistic projectiles, particularly the U.S.-designed Patriot system.

Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to authorize the production of Patriot missiles for Ukraine. Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy indicated that full-scale production could begin by the end of 2026, bolstering the country's defenses against ongoing attacks.