Early Monday, Kyiv was hit by a series of Russian missile and drone strikes that resulted in the deaths of at least 12 people and left dozens more injured. The capital continues to grapple with a critical shortage of air defence interceptors, complicating efforts to protect civilians.
This assault followed a deadly strike on Thursday that claimed 31 lives. Rescue teams remain active in the hardest-hit districts, working to recover victims and provide aid.
Ukraine’s air force reported that none of the 23 ballistic missiles launched by Russia were intercepted, while defences successfully shot down 37 other missiles and over 90 percent of the 351 drones deployed in the attack. Moscow has intensified its air operations throughout the year, increasing pressure on Ukrainian defences.
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has urged allies to supply more Patriot missile interceptors. He emphasized the urgency ahead of the Nato summit in Ankara, where he is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump.
“As long as Patriot missiles remain unused in our allies’ stockpiles, Russia is emboldened to continue destroying residential areas,” Zelenskiy stated on social media. “The US and Europe possess the means to halt this terror.”
At the summit, Zelenskiy called for decisive support to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported that in one district, the bodies of two parents and their child were recovered from the rubble. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the death toll in the capital has reached 12, with more than 50 people wounded.
