Russia strikes Kyiv with 68 missiles and 351 drones, killing at least 11, as Zelenski pleads for more air defense at NATO summit

Massive overnight strike on Kyiv

Russia launched 68 missiles and 351 drones at Ukraine overnight, with Kyiv bearing the brunt. At least 11 people were killed and 46 to 60 wounded, according to varying official tallies. The attack damaged residential buildings in four districts, with Podilskyi worst hit. Rescue operations continued into Monday morning.

There is destruction and damage in four districts of the city. Podilskyi district suffered the most.

Air defense gaps and Zelenski's appeal

Ukrainian forces shot down 37 missiles and 326 drones, but none of the 29 ballistic missiles were intercepted. President Zelenski blamed a shortage of Patriot interceptor missiles.

The reason is the insufficient supply of interceptor missiles. As long as Patriot missiles remain in the arsenals of our allies, Russia will be encouraged to continue attacking residential buildings.

He urged NATO leaders gathering in Ankara to take "firm decisions in support of our air defense."

Political reactions on eve of NATO summit

US President Donald Trump said the war's end is "very close" and would be discussed at the summit.

President Zelenski wants to end it now, and Putin too.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the attack "indiscriminate" and said the EU had disbursed the first €4 billion of a €90 billion loan for Ukraine. She said the bloc was working on a 21st sanctions package.

Russian justification and wider attacks

Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed the "massive strike," calling it retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure. It said targets included military industry and energy facilities in Kyiv and airfields in five regions. Meanwhile, Russian attacks on the Sumi region killed two civilians, and Ukraine struck a refinery in Yaroslavl, cutting power to Sevastopol.

NATO summit expectations

The two-day NATO summit in Ankara, starting Tuesday, is expected to endorse a €140 billion defense commitment for Ukraine over two years. Zelenski is scheduled to attend and meet with Trump and other leaders. The attack, the second massive strike on Kyiv in a week, has intensified pressure on allies to deliver more air defense systems.