Zelensky urges allies to strengthen air defence support ahead of NATO summit
KYIV: Ukraine’s Air Force said a serious shortage of interceptor missiles prevented it from shooting down any of the 23 ballistic missiles launched by Russia during a large-scale overnight attack on Kyiv, as the latest wave of strikes killed at least 14 people.
According to Ukrainian officials, 11 people died in the capital, while three others were killed in the surrounding Kyiv region. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia fired 68 missiles and 351 strike drones during the assault. Although Ukrainian forces intercepted several cruise missiles and drones, they failed to stop the ballistic missiles because of limited interceptor supplies.
Zelensky urged Ukraine’s international partners to make strong decisions at this week’s NATO summit, calling for additional air defence systems and Patriot missile interceptors. He warned that Russia would continue targeting residential areas as long as Ukraine lacked sufficient defensive capabilities.
Rescue operations continue across Kyiv
Emergency crews continued searching for survivors after multiple residential buildings suffered severe damage. Several apartment blocks partially collapsed following direct missile strikes, while fires erupted across the city.
Authorities also reported damage to warehouses, garages and other civilian infrastructure. Rescue teams worked throughout the day to reach people trapped beneath the rubble, while helicopters transported water to help extinguish large fires.
Residents again sought shelter in underground metro stations as air raid sirens sounded during the overnight attack, marking the second major Russian assault on Kyiv within a week.
Regional tensions remain high
The latest attack followed renewed Ukrainian drone strikes targeting energy facilities in Russian-controlled Crimea and oil infrastructure near St. Petersburg. Kyiv said the operations aim to increase pressure on Moscow during the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, Russia has maintained that its strikes target military and energy facilities in response to Ukrainian attacks inside Russian territory.
Ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, Zelensky reiterated his appeal for greater military assistance. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also said Ukraine’s urgent requirement for additional air defence systems would be among the key issues discussed by alliance leaders during the meeting.
