India, Oct. 12 -- Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday accused Russia of "taking advantage" of the purported shift of attention away from the war in Ukraine to intensify the bombing. He also lobbied his allies, such as France and the US, for more air defence systems to counter the increased bombardment.

"Russia is now taking advantage of the moment - the fact that the Middle East and domestic issues in every country are getting maximum attention," Zelensky said in a readout of his call with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Zelensky requested Macron for more missiles and help strengthen his country's "long-range capabilities".

He gave a similar request to US President Donald Trump in a second call in a span of two days. "We a...