Russian Air Assault Leaves 14 Dead Around Kyiv as NATO Leaders Prepare to Meet
At least 14 people have been killed and around 60 others injured after Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv and nearby areas, just hours before a major NATO summit where Ukraine's security is expected to dominate discussions.
According to Ukrainian authorities, Russia fired 68 missiles and 351 attack drones during the overnight assault, with several projectiles striking residential neighbourhoods. One missile tore through a multi-storey apartment building in Kyiv, ripping apart its upper floors and leaving rescue workers searching through the rubble for survivors. Around 30 residential buildings were reportedly damaged across the capital.
Residents described hearing repeated explosions as air raid sirens sounded throughout the night. In Kyiv's Podilsky district, eyewitnesses said powerful blasts shattered windows and damaged homes, with debris scattered across surrounding streets.
President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack and renewed his appeal for stronger international support, urging NATO allies to approve additional air defence assistance during the summit in Ankara. He said Ukraine's forces intercepted many drones and cruise missiles but lacked enough interceptor missiles to stop Russia's ballistic weapons, renewing calls for more Patriot missile systems.
The European Union also stressed the urgent need to strengthen Ukraine's air defences, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen saying the issue would be a key topic at the NATO meeting.
Russia's Defence Ministry said the operation targeted military-industrial facilities and energy infrastructure, describing it as a "massive strike." Meanwhile, Moscow claimed it intercepted more than 500 Ukrainian drones overnight, while Russian officials reported fresh drone activity around the capital.
The latest bombardment came less than a week after another deadly strike on Kyiv killed more than 30 people. As diplomatic efforts to end the war remain stalled, Zelensky is expected to meet U.S. President Donald Trump during the NATO summit to discuss military support and possible steps toward ending the conflict, while the White House says Trump also plans to engage Russian President Vladimir Putin in follow-up talks.
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