Deadly Russian Strikes Hit Kyiv on Eve of NATO Summit

A major Russian assault against the Ukrainian capital occurred just before a critical NATO summit in Turkey. President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that the attack left 12 people dead and 64 wounded, including two children. The assault involved 68 missiles and 351 drones, with Ukrainian air defenses unable to intercept any of the 23 ballistic missiles launched. Mayor Vitali Klitschko noted that emergency services responded to numerous fires and trapped civilians in damaged apartment buildings. This follows a previous 12-hour offensive on Thursday that resulted in 31 fatalities. In recent weeks, both nations have intensified their attacks on urban centers, with Russia targeting infrastructure and residential areas while Ukraine utilizes drone strikes against Russian oil and military sites. These heightened hostilities occur as peace talks remain stalled and international attention is divided. Ukraine has continued to plead for additional Patriot air defense interceptors to counter the barrage of ballistic missiles. The upcoming NATO meeting in Ankara is expected to prioritize a collective response to these escalating conditions. The conflict persists as a central issue while the effectiveness of existing air defense systems remains a significant concern.