Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected a proposal by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a face-to-face meeting, saying he sees "no point" in it. Speaking Friday at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin described Zelenskyy's open letter proposing the meeting as "boorish." It was the first public message Zelenskyy has sent directly to Putin since Russia sent troops into Ukraine in 2022 and was a critique of the Russian leader's 26 years in power as well as taunting him about his age. The 73-year-old Putin pointed at other global leaders who are older, adding that "the main thing is the ability to work." In an earlier speech, Putin criticized the West's unilateral sanctions.

Ukrainian long-range drones have struck an oil terminal in St. Petersburg, setting it ablaze, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The attack comes as the Russian city hosts a major event for attracting foreign capital. The drones flew over 1,000 kilometers to hit the terminal, a day after Moscow launched a major attack on Kyiv. Russian authorities confirmed the strike but provided few details. The city's airport briefly suspended flights, and mobile internet services were cut off. Both sides have been launching long-range strikes as the war continues with no end in sight.

Russian forces launched a massive aerial attack on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, and officials say at least 22 civilians were killed and 138 were wounded. The assault with hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles began overnight and continued during the day. In the central city of Dnipro, officials said rescue crews searching the rubble recovered the bodies of a 3-year-old child as well as those of a woman and her 8-year-old son. Kyiv residents have been on edge after Russia warned last week of a massive attack. President Vladimir Putin has intensified Moscow's campaign, exploiting Ukraine's shortage of air defense systems. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed for more support from the U.S. and Europe.

Romanian authorities say a Russian drone that was part of an overnight attack on Ukraine crashed into an apartment building in eastern Romania. Two people had minor injuries and several were evacuated. The Defense Ministry said Friday the drone was tracked by radar in Romanian airspace and crashed onto the roof of a building in Galati. Russia has been using long-range ballistic missiles and drones to damage Ukraine's power grid and hammer cities, and Ukraine has braced for further heavy bombardments. Romania's Foreign Ministry said the country is asking NATO for a faster transfer of anti-drone capabilities to its military.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he is pressing the United States for more Patriot air defense missiles to counter Russian attacks. He sent a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump and Congress earlier this week but hasn't received a reply. Zelenskyy is eager to secure foreign weaponry as Ukraine battles Russia's full-scale invasion. Zelenskyy said Thursday during a visit to Sweden that Ukraine has plans to buy 20 Gripen fighter jets and receive 16 older models as a donation. Ukrainian drones are also playing a crucial role in limiting Russian advances by targeting supply routes and front-line positions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has written to U.S. President Donald Trump and Congress asking for more air defense ammunition. Kyiv said on Wednesday that the request comes as Russian missile attacks escalate. Zelenskyy also warned that U.S. stockpiles are being drained due to the attacks and the Iran war. Meanwhile, Russian lawmakers want bank staff to help combat Ukrainian drones. A draft bill suggests banks install jamming systems and train employees to intercept drones. The measure reflects Russia's struggle against Ukraine's drone innovations. The U.K. intelligence reports that nearly 500,000 Russian troops have been killed since the conflict began.

Ukraine's air force says Russia launched over 100 drones and two ballistic missiles at Ukraine overnight. The attacks follow Russia's warning to foreign citizens and diplomats on Monday to leave Kyiv, citing its planned "systemic strikes" on the Ukrainian capital. Despite the threats, the European Union and other delegations say they will stay. Ukraine's foreign ministry says the security threat level remains unchanged. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy highlights a shortage of air defense missiles, partly due to the Iran war. Analysts suggest Russia's warnings aim to distract from its military struggles and economic issues caused by the ongoing conflict.

The death toll from a Russian missile attack that flattened a Kyiv apartment building has risen to 24. It was one of the deadliest attacks on the capital in the 4-year-old war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said three teenagers were among the victims. He led an official day of mourning Friday in Kyiv, a day after the Russian cruise missile struck the nine-story corner block amid what the Ukrainian air force said was Russia's biggest barrage of the country since its full-scale invasion in 2022. Throughout the day, people came to the rubble-strewn site to leave bouquets and stuffed toys. Zelenskyy said Thursday's assault mostly targeted the Ukrainian capital, where 48 people were wounded.

Russia's Defense Ministry reports that air defenses shot down 347 Ukrainian drones overnight. This major attack comes after Moscow rejected Kyiv's ceasefire earlier in the week. Drones were destroyed in over 20 Russian regions, including Moscow. The attack is Ukraine's second-biggest aerial assault since Russia's invasion over four years ago. It occurred ahead of Russia's Victory Day celebrations, marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. Tensions have risen as the celebrations approach, with Russia scaling back its traditional military parade due to security concerns. Authorities blame Ukraine for the heightened security measures.