Russian drones and missiles pummeled Kyiv on the eve of a major NATO summit, killing at least five people and wounding 40 others, Ukrainian officials said. The attack targeted multiple districts across the capital, causing widespread damage and panic.
Details of the Attack
The assault began late Monday and continued into Tuesday, with air raid sirens sounding repeatedly. Ukraine’s air force reported shooting down 15 of 20 drones and 10 of 12 missiles, but debris still caused casualties and destruction. Residential buildings, a kindergarten, and a medical facility were among the structures hit.
According to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, the strikes injured 40 people, including three children. Emergency services worked through the night to extinguish fires and rescue survivors. The attack came just hours before NATO leaders were scheduled to meet in Vilnius, Lithuania, to discuss further support for Ukraine.
Impact on Civilians and Infrastructure
In the Solomianskyi district, a missile strike partially destroyed a high-rise apartment building, leaving dozens homeless. Local resident Olena, 34, told reporters: “We heard a loud explosion and then everything shook. We ran to the basement and stayed there for hours. It was terrifying.”
Power outages affected parts of the city, and debris littered streets. The Ukrainian government condemned the timing of the attack, calling it a deliberate attempt to intimidate NATO allies. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a statement: “Russia is trying to disrupt the summit with terror. But we will not be broken.”
International Reaction
The NATO summit, which began on Tuesday, is expected to announce new military aid packages for Ukraine and reaffirm the alliance’s commitment to the country’s defense. US President Joe Biden condemned the strikes, saying they underscore the urgency of supporting Ukraine. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called the attack “barbaric” and pledged additional air defense systems.
Russia has not commented on the specific strikes but has repeatedly denied targeting civilians, despite extensive evidence to the contrary. The attack on Kyiv follows a pattern of intensified Russian bombardment ahead of key international events.
