- Deadly Russian strikes hit Kyiv overnight, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens more, according to city officials.
- The assault caused power outages across several regions in Ukraine, including Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Dnipropetrovsk.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the timing of the attacks is 'typical of Putin' as they occurred just before the NATO summit.
- None of the ballistic missiles fired at Ukraine were intercepted by air defenses during the assault, according to the air force.
- Zelensky emphasized the need for stronger air defense support from NATO allies in light of the attacks.
- The recent attacks follow a previous assault on Kyiv that killed 30 people, marking one of the deadliest attacks since the war began.
- Russia's defense ministry claimed the strikes targeted military-industrial facilities and energy sites in response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Ukraine urgently needs more air defense, which will be discussed at the NATO summit.
Russia launched a major aerial attack on Kyiv overnight, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens more, just before a key NATO summit in Ankara.
Massive explosions lit up the night sky as ballistic missiles and drones struck residential areas, leading to significant damage and power outages across Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Dnipropetrovsk.2
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had warned of a potential strike, stating, “This is typical of Putin: right after America’s Independence Day and before the NATO Summit in Ankara.” The attack comes on the heels of a previous assault that killed 30 people, marking it as one of the deadliest since the war began.356
According to Ukraine's air force, none of the 29 ballistic missiles and 18 attack drones were intercepted due to an insufficient supply of interceptor missiles. Zelensky emphasized the need for stronger air defense support from NATO allies, stating, “It is critically important that the world... come out of the NATO Summit in Ankara with strong decisions in support of our air defense.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed this sentiment, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced air defense capabilities. Meanwhile, Russia claimed the strikes targeted military-industrial facilities in response to Ukrainian attacks on its territory.
The ongoing conflict has seen Ukraine ramping up its own missile and drone attacks against Russian infrastructure, indicating a significant escalation in hostilities.
“At least 15 people were killed and dozens wounded in the assault, with residential buildings heavily damaged and power outages reported across multiple regions. Ukraine's air force said none of the ballistic missiles were intercepted, prompting Zelensky to urge NATO summit to strengthen air defense supplies.”
