Russian Strikes Kill 21 in Kyiv Ahead of NATO Summit

Russian missiles and drones struck multiple sites across Ukraine early Monday, killing at least 21 people and injuring dozens more. Fifteen deaths occurred in Kyiv and six in the surrounding region, according to local administrative officials. The barrage hit at least 15 residential buildings and damaged energy and military facilities.

Ukrainian air defenses intercepted most cruise missiles and drones but could not stop all ballistic missiles.

Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 23 ballistic missiles, six Zircon missiles, 37 cruise missiles, and 351 drones. Thirty-seven cruise missiles and 326 drones were shot down, while the remaining weapons struck 34 locations. Emergency crews searched rubble in Kyiv’s Podilskyi district, where a nine-story building was largely destroyed.

Residents waited for news of missing family members as firefighters battled flames.

The Ukrainian president stated that Ukrainian forces had success against drones and cruise missiles but lacked sufficient Patriot interceptors to counter ballistic missiles. He called for “strong decisions” at the NATO summit scheduled to begin Tuesday in Turkey.

““As long as Patriot missiles remain in our allies’ stockpiles, Russia is only encouraged to keep ‘vanquishing’ residential buildings.””

The attack followed a weekend call between Russian and U.S. officials that reportedly included plans for further talks during or after the summit. Ukrainian forces also struck an oil refinery in Russia’s Omsk region, damaging facilities that produce chemicals used in refining.

Ukrainian officials rejected the claim and said troops were still defending the area.