New Delhi: Russia launched a drone and missile attack on Ukraine, just ahead of a NATO Summit in Turkey. The attack comes at a time when world leaders
are expected to discuss the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, when they meet in Ankara. US President Donald Trump is also expected to attend the NATO Summit. In fact, the US President had recently said that he would want to mediate between Russia and Ukraine and help end the war.
The attack on Ukraine happened early Monday morning and has raised tensions between the 2 sides, once again.
Ukraine confirms attack
Ukraine’s Air Force confirmed the Russian attack, reported CNN. The country’s Air Force said that Russia launched ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones on capital Kyiv. Explosions were heard in central Kyiv, early morning and the Air Force activated all its air defence systems to tackle the attack, according to the news report.
Kyiv Mayor, Vitaliy Klitschko said that buildings were damaged due to falling debris from the missiles and drones intercepted by the Ukrainian forces. Air raid sirens sounded across the city, just before the missiles hit.
Just a day before the attack, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky had said that Russia was planning another large-scale attack on the country. In a social media post on ‘X’, he said, “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. Please stay safe and heed any air raid alerts.”
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. Please stay safe and heed any air raid… pic.twitter.com/VExSG7ldZo
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 5, 2026
He also went on to appeal to allies to help Ukraine and give it missiles to fight off any Russian attacks. He said, “Separately, to partners: any delay with missiles for our air defense – missiles for Patriots – means the loss of lives, and it encourages Russia to continue the war. The world has the necessary quantity and quality of air defense. What is needed are your decisions to ensure real protection of lives in Ukraine.”
This is the second major attack on the country’s capital, after one of the deadliest attacks in recent times, which left 30 people dead. The attack happened last Thursday.
NATO meeting in Ankara
The attack comes at a time when NATO members are set to meet in Turkey’s Ankara. The Russia-Ukraine war is expected to be at the top of the agenda of this meeting. Meanwhile, the Russian forces have stepped up the offensive in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region. Taking control of the region remains the Kremlin’s primary objective.
Ukraine also has attacked Russia multiple times, using long-range missiles. They have targeted oil refineries, ports and military and industrial facilities in the country.
