Ukraine says recent Russian attacks highlight its need for further support from Washington for air defenses including more Patriot-missile batteries from the U.S.

(Reuters) -President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Friday that Ukraine was working on the rapid development of interceptor drones to counter the swarms of Russian drones that have been descending on Ukrainian cities in increasing numbers in recent weeks.

A Ukrainian F-16 fighter pilot died during a Russian air attack involving drones, cruise and ballistic missiles. President Zelenskiy urged more support from the West to bolster Ukraine's air defenses as the attacks damaged infrastructure and injured civilians.