Russian strikes kill 12 in Kyiv as Ukraine faces air defence shortages

KYIV: Russian missiles and drones struck Kyiv early on Monday, killing at least 12 people and wounding dozens more, as the capital deals with shortages of air defence interceptors.

The overnight attack followed a strike that killed 31 people on Thursday. Rescue teams continued work in affected districts.

Ballistic missiles not intercepted

Ukraine’s air force reported that none of the 23 ballistic missiles from Russia were downed. Defences intercepted 37 other missiles and more than 90 per cent of the 351 drones.

Moscow has increased its air operations this year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called for more Patriot interceptors from allies.

Zelenskiy calls for decisions at Nato summit

The attack took place ahead of a Nato summit in Ankara, where Zelenskiy is due to meet US President Donald Trump.

“As long as Patriot missiles sit in our allies’ stockpiles, Russia is encouraged to keep destroying residential buildings,” Zelenskiy said on X. “The US and Europe have the power to stop this terror.”

Zelenskiy called for decisions at the summit to support Ukraine’s defence. In one district, the bodies of two parents and their child were recovered from debris, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the death toll in the capital reached 12, with more than 50 people injured.