A wave of Russian drone and missile strikes on Kyiv has killed at least 14 people, in one of the deadliest attacks on Ukraine’s capital in recent months. According to emergency services and local authorities, several residential areas were hit, with buildings reduced to rubble and rescue teams digging through debris to search for survivors.

The attack occurred overnight and involved both Iranian-made Shahed drones and precision-guided missiles, Ukrainian air force officials confirmed. While many of the drones were intercepted, several missiles evaded air defenses and struck densely populated neighborhoods.

Kyiv Renews Plea for Air Defense Systems

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the assault and repeated urgent calls for more advanced air defense systems from NATO allies. “We need more Patriots, more iron, more resolve,” he said in a national address, adding that the defense of Ukraine is “the defense of all of Europe.”

The attack coincides with a broader Russian escalation, with renewed strikes across Kharkiv and Dnipro regions, suggesting a coordinated effort to strain Ukraine’s defensive capacity.

Political Timing Ahead of NATO Summit

The strikes come days before the NATO summit in The Hague, where leaders are expected to solidify defense pledges and military support. Analysts view the timing of the attack as a signal from the Kremlin—reminding Western leaders of Russia’s ongoing ability to strike deep into Ukrainian territory despite sanctions and military losses.