Russia launches ballistic missiles on Ukrainian capital Kyiv on eve of NATO summit

Russia launched a ballistic missile attack on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, early Monday morning, the latest assault ahead of a crucial NATO summit in Turkey. The attack involved ballistic missiles, drones, and cruise missiles, according to Ukraine's air force. Explosions were heard across central Kyiv in the early hours, with Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko reporting fires and damage in at least two districts due to falling debris.

The strike follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's warning on Sunday that intelligence indicated Russia was preparing a "new massive strike." Zelenskyy specifically noted the timing, writing on X (formerly Twitter), "This is typical of Putin: right after America's Independence Day and before the NATO Summit in Ankara. Russia wants to bring more evil and kill people."

This latest barrage comes just days after a major Russian attack on Kyiv last Thursday, which killed at least 30 people, marking one of the deadliest assaults on the capital since the war began. The escalating attacks underscore the ongoing conflict as the NATO summit, set to begin Tuesday in Ankara, prepares to address the war in Ukraine.

Russian forces have intensified their efforts to gain territory in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region. Simultaneously, Ukraine has increased its missile and drone strikes targeting critical infrastructure within Russian territory, including oil refineries and military sites. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump held a nearly 90-minute phone call on July 4, during which Trump reportedly reiterated his offer to help mediate an end to the war.

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Intelligence once again indicates that the Russians are preparing a new massive strike. This is typical of Putin: right after America's Independence Day and before the NATO Summit in Ankara. Russia wants to bring more evil and kill people.