Ukraine has urgently requested NATO to expedite the delivery of much-needed Patriot defense systems following a night of terror in which Kyiv was harshly targeted by a barrage of Russian missiles.
An intense assault that began on Sunday resulted in at least 14 fatalities and 48 injuries in Kyiv, with many individuals feared to be trapped in collapsed structures throughout the city. This marked the second time in a week that the capital was attacked, with several children among the casualties.
Reports indicate that the Kremlin deployed an unusually high number of missiles, along with drones, during the onslaught, overwhelming Ukraine’s air force’s defense capabilities.
The attacks coincided with the upcoming NATO summit in Turkey, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to meet with President Trump.
Prior to the recent strikes, Zelensky had cautioned about Moscow’s plans for another significant attack on Kyiv, following the previous assault that claimed 30 lives.
Zelensky stressed the essential need for the swift delivery of defense missiles by NATO allies to protect civilians and enhance air defense capabilities, emphasizing that delayed shipments leave Kyiv susceptible to further Russian aggression.
Secondary explosions on Monday added to the chaos, with more than 20 locations in Kyiv targeted by the Russian assault, sparking concerns of additional attacks planned by Moscow.
The attack, believed to be ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin, was seen as retaliation for the severe strikes on Moscow’s energy infrastructure by Ukrainian drones in recent months, impacting Russia’s ability to fund military operations in Ukraine.
Emergency services in Kyiv worked tirelessly to rescue individuals trapped in collapsed buildings, prompting Mayor Vitali Klitschko to declare a day of mourning for Tuesday in response to what he described as a massive enemy assault on the capital.
Zelensky confirmed the extensive damage caused by the Russian strike, underscoring the ongoing cleanup efforts and the impact on residential areas across the city.