Russia Hits Kyiv Ahead of NATO Summit
Russia launches a fresh wave of missile and drone strikes on Kyiv, killing at least 11 people just hours before the NATO summit begins.
The update
Heavy missile and drone attacks struck Kyiv early Monday, killing at least 11 people and wounding dozens. The assault follows a major wave of strikes last week and comes just hours before the NATO summit begins in Turkey. Ukrainian officials report that Russian forces launched 68 missiles and 351 drones overnight. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the death toll is expected to rise.
Why it matters
The timing of the attack directly complicates the diplomatic agenda for the NATO summit. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had warned of a likely assault ahead of his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the gathering. The strikes underscore the continued volatility of the front lines and place renewed pressure on alliance unity.
What to watch
Officials are currently assessing the full scale of the damage. It remains unclear if the attack was a specific attempt to disrupt the summit or part of a broader Russian strategy. The meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump will be closely watched for any signals on how the alliance responds to the renewed hostilities.
Sources
- Al Jazeera — attack details, casualty figures, and political context
- The New York Times — confirmation of strikes and summit timing