Ukraine says it could not intercept a single Russian ballistic missile during the latest attack on Kyiv because of a severe shortage of interceptor missiles, as the overnight assault killed at least 14 people and renewed calls for more Western air defence support.
Ukraine says it is running dangerously low on interceptor missiles after a large-scale Russian attack on Kyiv left at least 14 people dead and dozens injured overnight.
The Ukrainian Air Force said none of the 23 ballistic missiles launched by Russia at the capital on Sunday night were intercepted because of what it described as a “serious shortage” of interceptor missiles.
According to Ukrainian authorities, at least 12 people were killed in Kyiv, while three others died elsewhere in the Kyiv region. Officials also reported dozens of injuries as rescue workers searched damaged buildings for survivors.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia launched a total of 68 missiles and 351 attack drones during what he described as another “massive Russian attack.”
While Ukraine’s air defence units managed to shoot down or suppress many cruise missiles and drones, Zelensky said ballistic missiles remained the biggest challenge.
“The Ukrainian military successfully intercepted cruise missiles and drones, but not ballistic missiles,” Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian Air Force said aviation units, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare systems, drone units and mobile fire groups responded to the attack.
Preliminary figures released by the military showed that 37 missiles and 326 drones were intercepted or disabled.
Zelensky urged Ukraine’s allies to use this week’s Nato summit to approve more military support, especially additional Patriot air defence systems.
“Moscow will continue to hit residential buildings as long as defensive Patriot missiles remain in our allies’ stockpiles,” he said.
Residents across Kyiv spent another night sheltering in underground metro stations as explosions echoed across the city.
SEE ALSO: At least 13 killed after Russia unleashes one of its biggest attacks on Kyiv in weeks
Several apartment buildings were badly damaged, with at least three residential blocks partially collapsing after being struck. Fires also broke out in homes, warehouses and a garage workshop, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
Emergency crews continued rescue operations on Monday, while helicopters collected water from the river to help firefighters contain multiple blazes.
The latest strike came just days after another major Russian attack on Kyiv that killed 30 people. Before Sunday’s assault, Zelensky had warned that Moscow was preparing another large-scale bombardment.
Russia has repeatedly denied targeting civilians, saying its strikes are aimed at military and energy infrastructure. Ukraine, however, accuses Moscow of deliberately attacking residential areas.
At the same time, Ukraine has intensified long-range drone attacks on Russian energy facilities. Ukrainian strikes have reportedly disrupted power supplies in Sevastopol, in Russian-occupied Crimea, while oil terminals at Vyssotsk and Ust-Luga near St Petersburg were also targeted again.
The renewed attacks come as Nato leaders prepare to meet in Ankara, where Ukraine’s air defence needs are expected to dominate discussions.
Zelensky is also expected to meet US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the summit.
“It is critically important that the United States and our European partners come to the summit with strong decisions in support of our air defense, and thus the protection of ordinary people’s lives,” Zelensky said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also said Ukraine’s urgent request for more air defence systems would be discussed during the Nato meeting.
