Russia Fires Ballistic Missiles at Kyiv on Eve of NATO Summit
Russia launched a fresh wave of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones at Kyiv early Monday, causing explosions and fires in the Ukrainian capital on the eve of a critical NATO summit in Ankara. Ukraine strikes have formed a key part of the response to Russian operations in recent weeks. [2]
Russian Missile and Drone Assault on Kyiv
Russia launched a fresh wave of missile and drone attacks on Ukraine's capital early on Monday. [2] Ukraine's air force said Russia attacked Kyiv using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones. [2] Powerful explosions echoed across central Kyiv in the early hours of Monday as air defence systems responded to the assault. [2] Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said debris from intercepted missiles and drones caused fires and damage in at least two districts of the capital. [2] Air raid sirens had sounded across the city shortly before the explosions. [2] The renewed assault comes as NATO leaders prepare to meet in Ankara on Tuesday. [2]
Context of Zelenskyy's Warning and Recent Deadly Strike
The latest bombardment came a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia was preparing another large-scale attack. [2] Zelenskyy wrote on X that intelligence indicated the Russians were preparing a new massive strike, typical of Putin right after America's Independence Day and before the NATO Summit in Ankara. [2] The attack also follows one of the deadliest Russian strikes on Kyiv in recent months. [2] Last Thursday's assault killed at least 30 people, making it the third-deadliest attack on the Ukrainian capital since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. [2]
Ukrainian Counterstrikes on Crimea and Russian Positions
Ukraine strikes targeted the Gvardeyskoye airfield in occupied Crimea. [1] One person was killed in a Ukrainian attack on Russian-occupied Crimea. [1] Two others were injured in the attack on northern Crimea, including one in a serious condition. [1] The Russia-installed regional governor Sergei Aksyonov wrote on Telegram that the attacks left at least one person dead and two more wounded. [3] Ukrainian forces also attacked important bridges located over the rivers Hruzkyi Yalanchyk and Kalmius in the province of Donetsk. [3] Ukraine also destroyed three ammunition depots situated in the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk and Kherson. [3]
Trump Calls with Putin and Zelenskyy on Ending the War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Trump on ending the war. [1] Zelenskyy said he called to congratulate Trump to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence and that the two leaders discussed the situation along the front line. [1] Zelenskyy added there is a real prospect of ending this war and that America's determination will be crucial. [1] The Kremlin said that Putin and Trump discussed the conflict in Ukraine in a constructive phone call on Saturday. [1] Kremlin foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov said that Putin congratulated Trump and the American people on the 250th anniversary of America's independence during the call that lasted nearly an hour and a half. [1] Ushakov said that Trump reaffirmed his readiness to help achieve a quick cessation of hostilities and search for peaceful solutions to settle the crisis in Ukraine. [1] Putin emphasised Russia's preference for a diplomatic settlement of the conflict provided that Russia's fundamental positions are taken into account. [1]
Escalation Ahead of NATO Summit in Ankara
The strike comes at a sensitive diplomatic moment with the war in Ukraine set to dominate discussions among NATO leaders. [2] Russian forces have stepped up their offensive in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region. [2] Ukraine has intensified its own long-range strikes inside Russian territory targeting oil refineries, ports and military-industrial facilities with missiles and drones. [2] The renewed assault comes as NATO leaders prepare to meet in Ankara on Tuesday where the war in Ukraine is expected to remain at the top of the agenda. [2] The latest escalation also comes days after Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held a nearly 90-minute telephone conversation on July 4. [2]
Air Defense Claims from Both Sides
The Ministry of Defense of Russia stated that its air defense systems intercepted 71 Ukrainian drones during the night over different regions of the country including Belgorod, Bryansk, Rostov, the Black Sea and Crimea. [3] Ukraine's air force reported that it downed 112 Russian drones of attack launched by Russia in addition to three guided missiles Kh-59/69. [3] Russian forces also employed air-to-surface missiles Kh-31 launched from the Black Sea. [3] Although several projectiles were intercepted by Ukrainian defense systems some attacks reached at least three points of the national territory. [3]
What to watch next: NATO leaders are set to gather in Ankara on Tuesday with the Ukraine war at the top of the agenda while both sides continue military operations alongside diplomatic contacts involving Trump.
