At least 18 people were killed after Russia launched a wave of missiles and drones at residential areas in the region of Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, early Monday.
This marks the second major attack on the city in a week as leaders prepared for the upcoming NATO summit.
Describing the intensity of the bombardment, Ukrainian authorities said the strikes hit apartment buildings and other civilian areas, leaving dozens injured and causing widespread destruction.
One missile tore through a multi-storey residential building, leaving a large crater and destroying its upper floors.
Residents reported hearing multiple explosions overnight as air raid sirens sounded across the capital.
Officials in the Kyiv suburb of Vyshneve began evacuating residents over concerns that unexploded ordnance remained in the debris.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy is imploring Ukraine’s allies to strengthen the country’s air defences, saying the latest assault highlighted the urgent need for additional military support.
He said, ‘It is critically important that the world – first and foremost the United States and our European partners – come out of the NATO Summit in Ankara with strong decisions in support of our air defense, and thus the protection of ordinary people’s lives.’
Zelensky said Russia launched 68 missiles and 351 attack drones during the overnight assault. While Ukrainian forces intercepted many of the drones and cruise missiles, he said the country lacked sufficient interceptor missiles to stop ballistic missiles.
According to the president, at least 14 people were killed in Kyiv and the surrounding region, while around 60 others were injured. Residents described the intensity of the bombardment.
