Russia Kills 9 in Kyiv Missile-Drone Barrage as NATO Summit Opens in Turkey
Updated
Updated · CNN · Jul 5
Russia Kills 9 in Kyiv Missile-Drone Barrage as NATO Summit Opens in Turkey
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Jul 5
Summary
At least nine people were killed and dozens wounded after Russian ballistic missiles and drones struck Kyiv early Monday, hitting apartment blocks, trapping residents and setting cars and high-rises ablaze.
Podilskyi and Darnytskyi were among the hardest-hit districts, where rescuers evacuated residents — including children — as air raid sirens sent people across the capital into shelters.
The attack came hours after Volodymyr Zelensky warned Moscow was preparing a new massive strike, and just days after a Russian assault on Kyiv killed 30 people last Thursday.
Tuesday’s NATO summit in Ankara now opens under the shadow of the barrage, with Donald Trump set to attend after weekend calls with both Vladimir Putin and Zelensky.
Zelensky again pressed US and European allies for Patriot missiles, saying delays in air-defense supplies are costing lives as Russia expands use of faster jet-powered drones.
As Trump and Putin discuss peace, do escalating Russian attacks on Kyiv signal a final push for victory or diplomatic leverage?
With US peace efforts fizzling, can NATO's new €70 billion aid pledge truly alter the four-year-long war's trajectory?
The July 2, 2026 Attack on Kyiv: Humanitarian Crisis, Air Defense Challenges, and NATO’s Strategic Response
Overview
On July 2, 2026, Kyiv suffered a major attack that Russia had been preparing for over a long period. In June, Russia paused its usual attack pattern, launching only two major strikes while stockpiling drones and missiles for a larger assault. This deliberate buildup allowed Russia to use its increased drone production to launch frequent, large-scale attacks, aiming to overwhelm Ukraine’s defenses. The attack caused severe humanitarian damage in Kyiv, highlighting the urgent need for stronger air defense systems and international support as Ukraine faces ongoing threats and prepares for critical discussions at the upcoming NATO summit.