Russian Missile Barrage Devastates Kyiv Region as Zelenskyy Urges NATO for Urgent Air Defence Support
Deadly Strikes Expose Critical Shortage of Patriot Interceptors Ahead of NATO Summit, Raising Pressure on Allies
Russia launched one of its largest missile and drone assaults of the war against Ukraine, striking Kyiv and surrounding regions in a coordinated overnight attack that killed at least two dozen civilians and injured dozens more. The bombardment came just hours before NATO leaders gathered for a crucial summit, intensifying pressure on Western allies to strengthen Ukraine’s air-defence capabilities.
According to Ukrainian officials, the assault involved 68 missiles and more than 350 drones targeting the capital and other strategic locations. While Ukrainian air-defence systems intercepted many cruise missiles and drones, they failed to stop any of the ballistic missiles used in the attack, resulting in widespread destruction of residential buildings and civilian infrastructure.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as evidence of an alarming shortage of interceptor missiles, particularly U.S.-supplied Patriot systems. He urged NATO leaders to take “strong decisions” at the summit, calling for immediate deliveries of additional air-defence missiles and expanded defence cooperation. Zelenskyy also renewed his appeal for Ukraine to receive permission to manufacture Patriot interceptor systems under licence to reduce dependence on foreign supplies.
The latest strikes have reignited concerns that Ukraine’s dwindling stockpile of interceptor missiles is leaving major cities increasingly vulnerable. Military officials acknowledged that the inability to intercept ballistic missiles reflects a growing shortage of advanced air-defence munitions, even though cruise missiles and drones continue to be intercepted at high rates.
The timing of the attack has added urgency to discussions at the NATO summit, where continued military assistance, defence spending and long-term security guarantees for Ukraine dominate the agenda. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte condemned the strikes and reaffirmed support for Ukraine while emphasizing the need for European allies to expand their own defence production amid concerns over limited U.S. missile inventories.
Russia’s Defence Ministry said its missiles targeted military facilities, airfields and energy infrastructure, while Ukrainian authorities accused Moscow of deliberately striking civilian neighbourhoods. Rescue teams continued searching through collapsed apartment buildings as the death toll remained subject to revision.
The latest escalation underscores the evolving nature of the conflict, with Russia intensifying long-range missile and drone attacks while Ukraine continues deep strikes against Russian military and energy targets. Analysts believe the outcome of NATO’s discussions on air-defence support could significantly influence Ukraine’s ability to withstand future large-scale aerial assaults.
