At least 14 people have been killed in a 'massive' Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv, according to Ukrainian officials. The overnight onslaught came as US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepared to discuss the war at a Nato summit in Turkey on Tuesday.
Deadly overnight barrage
The attack, which involved both drones and missiles, struck multiple locations across the Ukrainian capital. Tymur Tkachenko, the head of Kyiv's military administration, confirmed the death toll and warned that it could rise. 'Sadly, this is not the final toll. Rescue operations are still ongoing,' he said in a statement.
Rescue crews worked through the night to search for survivors under the rubble. The exact number of injured has not yet been confirmed, but local authorities reported that dozens of people were wounded in the strikes.
Timing ahead of Nato summit
The attack occurred just hours before Trump and Zelenskyy were scheduled to meet at the Nato summit in Turkey. The summit, which brings together leaders from member countries, was expected to focus on security concerns and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The timing of the assault appeared to be a deliberate message from Moscow, analysts said.
Ukraine has repeatedly called for increased military aid from its Western allies, including more advanced air defense systems to counter Russian missile and drone attacks. The latest strike underscores the urgent need for such support, Ukrainian officials said.
International response
The attack drew swift condemnation from international leaders. Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called it a 'brutal reminder of Russia's aggression' and reiterated the alliance's commitment to supporting Ukraine. The US and European Union also issued statements condemning the strikes and expressing solidarity with Kyiv.
Meanwhile, Russian officials have not commented on the attack. Moscow has consistently denied targeting civilian infrastructure, despite extensive evidence to the contrary from Ukrainian and international sources.
Ongoing rescue operations
As dawn broke over Kyiv, rescue teams continued to comb through damaged buildings. The death toll is expected to rise as more bodies are recovered. Tkachenko urged residents to stay in shelters and follow safety protocols. 'The enemy is trying to break our spirit, but we will not give in,' he said.
The attack marks one of the deadliest on Kyiv in recent months. Since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has repeatedly targeted the capital with long-range strikes, causing significant casualties and damage.
