Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged the United States and European allies to take strong decisions to bolster Ukraine's air defences after a massive overnight Russian missile and drone strike killed at least 14 people in Kyiv and the surrounding region. The attack, which occurred early Monday, involved 68 missiles and 351 attack drones, damaging more than 10 locations across the capital, including residential buildings.
Details of the Attack
In a post on X, Zelenskyy detailed the scale of the assault. "Last night, Kyiv came under a massive Russian attack. Russia launched 68 missiles and 351 attack drones. Response efforts are still underway. Damage has been recorded at more than 10 locations across the city, including residential buildings," he wrote. Rescue operations continued, with 64 people, including two children, rescued from affected areas. Zelenskyy confirmed that 11 people were killed in Kyiv itself, with around 60 more injured. In the Kyiv region, three additional people were killed and 16 injured, with emergency crews battling a fire in Vyshneve and evacuating residents.
Call for Air Defence Support
Zelenskyy highlighted that Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted drones and cruise missiles but lacked enough interceptor missiles to stop Russian ballistic missiles. "Our warriors performed well today in intercepting drones and cruise missiles, but unfortunately not Russian ballistic missiles. And the reason lies in the insufficient supply of interceptor missiles," he said. He stressed the importance of the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey, for securing stronger air defence commitments. "It is critically important that the world - first and foremost the United States and our European partners - come out of the NATO Summit in Ankara with strong decisions in support of our air defense, and thus the protection of ordinary people's lives. As long as Patriot missiles remain in our allies' stockpiles, Russia is only encouraged to keep 'vanquishing' residential buildings. The United States and Europe have enough strength to stop this terror," he added.
Background and Warnings
The attack came a day before the NATO summit, which US President Donald Trump is expected to attend, according to CNN. Ukraine's air force confirmed the assault involved ballistic missiles, drones, and cruise missiles, with explosions heard across central Kyiv. Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko reported fires and damage in at least two districts. Zelenskyy had warned on Sunday that intelligence suggested Russia was preparing a new massive strike, noting it was typical of Russian President Vladimir Putin to strike right after America's Independence Day and before the NATO Summit.
