Kyiv, Ukraine – Web Desk: At least 24 people were killed and more than 100 others injured after Russia launched a fresh wave of missile and drone strikes on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, just one day before the NATO summit.
According to Ukrainian authorities, Russia targeted residential areas in Kyiv for the second consecutive week. The early morning attack struck the Podilskyi district, where a ballistic missile tore through a multi-storey apartment building, leaving a massive crater and splitting several floors of the structure.
Witnesses reported hearing more than 10 explosions during a nationwide ballistic missile alert, while bright flashes illuminated the sky as air defence systems attempted to intercept incoming missiles.
Officials said 16 people were killed in Kyiv, while eight others lost their lives in the nearby town of Vyshneve, bringing the overall death toll to 24. More than 100 people sustained injuries, with emergency responders continuing search and rescue operations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the assault, describing it as a “brutal attack” and saying Russia’s military strategy remains unchanged, with the aim of inflicting maximum harm on Ukraine and its people.
Zelenskyy, who is expected to meet US President Donald Trump during the NATO summit in Ankara, urged NATO allies to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence capabilities against Russian ballistic missiles. He said Ukrainian forces had successfully intercepted drones and cruise missiles but lacked sufficient systems to counter ballistic missile attacks effectively.
“It is deeply regrettable that the modern world still cannot fully protect civilians from ballistic terror,” Zelenskyy said, expressing hope that the NATO summit would produce “important decisions” on enhancing Ukraine’s air defence.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, speaking in Ankara, said NATO allies and partner nations must ensure Ukraine receives all the military support it needs.
The latest strike marks the second major Russian ballistic missile attack within a week, prompting Ukraine to renew its appeal for additional US-made Patriot air defence missiles from its Western allies.
