Russia Strikes Kyiv Ahead of NATO Summit, Killing Six

Russia launched a significant missile and drone assault on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, and its surrounding region early on Wednesday, resulting in at least six fatalities and 18 injuries. The attacks occurred just hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned of impending large-scale Russian strikes, potentially timed to disrupt the upcoming NATO summit.

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Russia is preparing for a large-scale attack ahead of the NATO summit on the 7th-8th.

Explosions were heard across Kyiv in the early morning hours, prompting thousands of residents to seek refuge in underground shelters. Air raid sirens blared throughout the night as Ukrainian air defenses engaged incoming projectiles. Social media showed images of damaged buildings, with officials confirming that parts of residential structures and non-residential buildings in various districts sustained damage. In the Kyiv region, houses, shops, and other civilian infrastructure were also hit, leading to casualties.

This latest barrage follows a similar large-scale attack by Russia on July 2, which Ukraine reported killed at least 31 people and injured over 100. President Zelenskyy, speaking via video link, reiterated his call for a swift increase in Western military aid, particularly Patriot missile systems. He argued that delays in supplying these advanced air defense capabilities directly contribute to further loss of life and embolden Russian aggression.

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The delay in the supply of air defense missiles, namely Patriots, means additional loss of life. It encourages Russia to continue the war.

"The delay in the supply of air defense missiles, namely Patriots, means additional loss of life. It encourages Russia to continue the war," Zelenskyy stated, emphasizing the urgent need for a decisive commitment from the United States and other major powers. He specifically appealed to the U.S. for assistance, suggesting that political will alone could bridge the gap in needed missile supplies.

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We will continue to persuade through all channels.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy continued to refute Russian claims of capturing the key eastern city of Kostiantynivka. He asserted that fighting for the city persists and challenged President Putin to visit the area, implying Putin would not risk appearing there. The Ukrainian president reiterated his goal of making continued occupation an unbearable burden for Russia, expressing hope for conditions conducive to a dignified peace through either military or diplomatic means in the coming months.

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The fighting around Kostiantynivka, which President Putin claims as his own, is ongoing.