Ukraine has appealed to NATO to accelerate the delivery of critically needed Patriot defence systems following a devastating Russian missile barrage on Kyiv that killed at least 14 people and wounded 48 others, including five children. The attack, described as a 'night of horror', left the capital exposed to volleys of Russian missiles, with dozens feared still trapped in destroyed buildings.
Massive Russian Onslaught
The onslaught began on Sunday and marked the second time in a week that Kyiv was targeted. Ukraine's air force was unable to intercept the unusually high number of missiles and drones deployed by Russian forces. Emergency services worked through Monday to rescue survivors from rubble, as secondary explosions sent shockwaves through the capital.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko declared a day of mourning for Tuesday, calling it 'the most massive enemy attack on the capital.' President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that cleanup operations were ongoing, with damage recorded at multiple locations, including residential buildings.
Zelensky's Plea to NATO
Speaking on the eve of the NATO summit in Turkey, Zelensky urged allies to take decisive action. 'It is crucial that the world – above all the United States and our European partners – leaves the NATO summit in Ankara with strong decisions to strengthen our air defense and protect the lives of ordinary people,' he said. 'As long as Patriot missiles remain in our allies’ warehouses, Russia will continue striking residential buildings.'
Zelensky emphasised that delayed deliveries of Patriot systems left Ukraine vulnerable. 'The United States and Europe have enough strength to stop this terror,' he added.
Context and Retaliation
The attack is believed to be ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin in retaliation for a series of Ukrainian deep-strike drone attacks on Russia's oil and gas industry. These strikes have crippled energy infrastructure that funds Putin's war effort. Ukraine recently hit a major oil terminal in St Petersburg, and long-range drone attacks have caused widespread destruction of oil and gas installations across Russia.
More than 20 targets were hit across Kyiv, and fears persist of further attacks by Moscow's forces. The strikes came just before Zelensky's expected talks with President Trump at the NATO summit.
