Russia Launches Ballistic Missile Attack on Kyiv Ahead of NATO Summit

July 6, 2026

Kyiv: Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv early Monday, firing ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones just a day before NATO leaders are set to meet in Ankara for a crucial summit expected to focus heavily on the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Explosions Rock Kyiv as Air Defences Respond

According to Ukraine’s Air Force, the overnight assault involved a combination of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones. Explosions echoed across central Kyiv as air defence systems engaged incoming threats.

Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said fires and damage caused by falling missile debris were reported in at least two districts of the capital. Air raid sirens had sounded shortly before the explosions, warning residents to seek shelter.

Zelensky Warns of Fresh Russian Offensive

The latest strike came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Sunday that intelligence reports indicated Russia was preparing another large-scale attack.

“Intelligence once again indicates that the Russians are preparing a new massive strike. This is typical of Putin: right after America’s Independence Day and before the NATO Summit in Ankara. Russia wants to bring more evil and kill people,” Zelensky wrote on X.

The attack follows another major Russian assault on Kyiv last Thursday that killed at least 30 people, making it the third-deadliest strike on the Ukrainian capital since the war began.

Ukraine War to Dominate NATO Summit

The war in Ukraine is expected to be one of the key issues at the NATO Summit, which begins on Tuesday in Ankara.

Russian forces have intensified operations in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region as Moscow seeks to gain more territory, while Ukraine has stepped up missile and drone attacks targeting Russian oil refineries, ports and military facilities.

According to CNN, Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held a nearly 90-minute phone conversation on July 4, during which Trump reiterated his willingness to help end the conflict, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said.