Ukraine Warns of Critical Missile Shortage After Deadly Russian Strike on Kyiv Region

Ukraine has warned of a serious shortage of interceptor missiles following a devastating overnight Russian assault on Kyiv and surrounding regions that left at least 14 people dead and caused widespread destruction. Officials say the lack of air defence capacity meant none of the 23 ballistic missiles launched during the attack were intercepted.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the country is currently facing a “serious shortage” of interceptor missiles, a situation that significantly weakened its ability to respond to the latest large-scale bombardment. The strike was part of a wider wave of attacks involving 68 missiles and 351 strike drones, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a post on X.

At least 11 people were killed in Kyiv itself, while three more deaths were reported in the wider Kyiv region, according to emergency services. Several residential buildings were heavily damaged, with three large apartment blocks partially collapsing after direct missile strikes. Rescue teams have been working urgently to locate survivors trapped under the rubble.

The aftermath of the attack left scenes of destruction across the capital. Fires broke out in multiple neighbourhoods, and helicopters were seen drawing water from nearby rivers to help extinguish the blazes. Warehouses, garages, and residential complexes were also damaged, adding to the scale of devastation.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that multiple civilian structures were hit during the assault, describing widespread damage across the city. Residents once again took shelter underground as air raid sirens echoed through the capital during the night.

Ukraine’s military leadership said its air defence systems were still effective against cruise missiles and drones, but confirmed they were unable to intercept the ballistic missiles due to shortages of Patriot and other advanced interceptor systems. President Zelensky warned that continued delays in supplying these systems from allied nations would lead to further loss of civilian lives.

The Ukrainian leader has renewed his appeal for stronger international support ahead of the upcoming NATO summit, calling on allies to make “strong decisions” regarding air defence supplies. He emphasised that Russia would continue targeting residential areas unless Ukraine receives additional protection.

Zelensky also highlighted that Sunday’s attack followed another deadly strike just days earlier, which killed 30 people in Kyiv. He warned that Moscow appeared to be intensifying its aerial campaign against the Ukrainian capital.

Russia, meanwhile, has claimed its strikes are aimed at military and energy infrastructure, though Ukrainian officials say civilian areas continue to bear the brunt of the attacks. In response, Ukraine has stepped up its own drone operations targeting Russian energy facilities, including sites in occupied Crimea and other strategic regions.

The escalating cycle of strikes has raised fresh concerns among international leaders. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that Ukraine’s urgent need for additional air defence systems will be a key topic at the NATO summit beginning in Ankara, Turkey.

Reports also suggest that President Zelensky may meet US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the summit to discuss further military assistance.

As the war continues to intensify, Ukraine’s warning over missile shortages underscores the growing strain on its defence capabilities and the urgent diplomatic push for increased support from Western allies.