Barrage of Russian attacks rock Kyiv

Kyiv was rocked by a series of explosions Wednesday as Russia intensified its missile barrage on the Ukrainian capital, coinciding with a NATO leaders' summit in Turkey. The attacks began with a large blast heard before air raid sirens sounded, followed by four more explosions, according to AFP journalists in the city.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that warehouses were on fire in one district due to a missile strike, while a non-residential building burned in another. He urged residents to seek shelter, stating, "The enemy is attacking the capital with ballistic missiles."

This latest onslaught follows a deadly Monday, when Russian strikes, including multiple missile hits on Kyiv, claimed 30 lives across Ukraine. The current attacks highlight Ukraine's struggle with dwindling supplies of crucial interceptor missiles needed to counter Russia's evolving strategy.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was in Ankara for the NATO summit, appealed to Ukraine's international partners to bolster the country's air defense capabilities. While Ukraine has had success intercepting Russian drones, it faces significant difficulties in tackling the Kremlin's increasing use of ballistic missiles, exacerbating existing shortages of air defense systems.

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The enemy is attacking the capital with ballistic missiles. Stay in shelters!