KYIV: At least 24 people have been killed and more than 100 others injured after Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, according to Ukrainian authorities. The strikes came one day before the start of a key NATO summit.
Ukrainian officials said Russia targeted residential neighborhoods in Kyiv for the second consecutive week, using ballistic missiles and drones in one of the deadliest attacks on the capital in recent days.
Residential Areas Hit
The morning strike caused extensive damage in Kyiv’s Podilskyi district, where a multi-storey apartment building was severely damaged. A large crater was left at the impact site, splitting several floors of the building into two sections and trapping residents under the rubble.
According to international news agencies, more than ten explosions were heard across the city during a ballistic missile alert, while bright flashes lit up the sky as Ukrainian air defense systems attempted to intercept incoming missiles.
Officials reported that 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, and emergency responders continued search-and-rescue operations at the affected sites.
Zelenskyy Calls Attack “Brutal”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the assault, describing it as a “brutal attack” and accusing Russia of continuing a strategy aimed at inflicting maximum suffering on Ukraine and its civilian population.
Zelenskyy, who is expected to meet U.S. President Donald Trump during the NATO summit in Turkey, urged NATO member states to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense capabilities against Russian ballistic missiles.
He acknowledged that Ukrainian forces had successfully intercepted numerous drones and cruise missiles but stressed that the country still lacks sufficient systems capable of defending against ballistic missile attacks.
The Ukrainian president said it was deeply unfortunate that modern technology had not yet provided adequate protection against what he described as “ballistic terror.” He expressed hope that NATO leaders would make important decisions regarding additional air defense assistance during the summit.
NATO Calls for Continued Support
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, speaking in Ankara, said that NATO allies and partner countries must continue ensuring that Ukraine receives the military and defensive support it requires.
The latest strike marks the second major ballistic missile attack on Ukraine within a week, according to Ukrainian officials.
Kyiv has once again appealed to its international partners for additional U.S.-made Patriot air defense missile systems, arguing that they remain essential for protecting cities and civilian infrastructure from ballistic missile attacks.
Background
Russia and Ukraine have continued to exchange missile and drone attacks as the conflict remains ongoing. Civilian infrastructure has repeatedly been affected despite international calls for restraint.
At the time of publication, Russia had not issued an official response to the specific Ukrainian claims regarding the attack or the reported casualty figures, which have not been independently verified.
The NATO summit is scheduled to take place from July 7 to July 8, where leaders are expected to discuss regional security, continued support for Ukraine, and broader defense cooperation among alliance members.
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