At least 14 people were killed and dozens injured after Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, overnight, just hours before a key North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit where Ukraine’s security is expected to dominate discussions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on NATO members to adopt stronger measures to bolster the country’s air defence capabilities, saying additional support was urgently needed to protect civilians from continued Russian bombardments.
The attack marked the second major strike on Kyiv within a week. Authorities said Russian missiles slammed into residential apartment buildings, leaving a large crater in one multi-storey complex and severely damaging its upper floors. Around 60 people were also reported injured.
Residents described hearing repeated explosions throughout the night as ballistic missile alerts sounded across the city. Emergency responders continued rescue operations hours after the attack, searching through the rubble of damaged buildings.
According to Zelensky, Russia launched 68 missiles and 351 attack drones during the overnight assault. While Ukraine’s military intercepted many of the drones and cruise missiles, he said limited supplies of interceptor missiles prevented the country’s air defence systems from stopping the ballistic missiles.
Officials in the Kyiv suburb of Vyshneve began evacuating residents due to concerns over unexploded ordnance scattered among the debris.
Russia’s Defence Ministry confirmed carrying out what it described as a “massive strike,” claiming it targeted military-industrial facilities as well as fuel and energy infrastructure across several Ukrainian regions.
The latest attack prompted renewed calls from European leaders for increased military support. Ursula von der Leyen said Ukraine urgently requires additional air defence systems, adding that the issue would feature prominently during the NATO summit.
Zelensky is expected to meet Donald Trump on the sidelines of the summit to discuss the war and efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s defence. According to the White House, the meeting will focus on diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the conflict, with Trump also expected to engage later with Vladimir Putin.
Meanwhile, Russia said it intercepted more than 500 Ukrainian drones overnight, while Moscow authorities reported several waves of drones heading toward the Russian capital.
The war, now in its fifth year, has continued to escalate despite repeated diplomatic efforts. Fighting also remains intense on the eastern front, where Russia recently claimed to have captured the strategic town of Kostyantynivka, although Ukrainian officials insist their forces are still defending the area.
